3-Amidinophenylalanine-based inhibitors of urokinase.

Synthesis and anti-uPA activity of a series of Nalpha-triisopropyl-phenylsulfonyl-protected 3-amidinophenylalanine amides are described. We have explored SAR around the C-terminal amide part for inhibition of uPA, plasmin and trypsin. Modification of the amide part has been found to affect potency but not selectivity. With a Ki of 0.41 microM 2r-L is one of the most potent uPA inhibitors described so far. The X-ray crystal structure of 2r-L was solved in complex with trypsin, superimposed with uPA and the results suggest an unique binding mode of this inhibitor type.