Neurotrophic peptide aldehydes: solid phase synthesis of fellutamide B and a simplified analog.

A combination of solid phase and solution phase synthetic methods have been used to complete the total synthesis of the neurotrophic lipopeptide aldehyde fellutamide B (2). The beta-hydroxy aliphatic tail was prepared by regioselective reductive opening of a cyclic sulfate, and later coupled to a solid phase resin. The synthetic compound was then examined in cytotoxicity and nerve growth factor (NGF) induction assays. A simplified analog of fellutamide B also showed activity.