Synthesis and biological activity of pyrido[3',2':4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitors.

A series of pyrido[3',2':4,5]thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines (PTP) has been synthesized and tested as phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors (PDE4), a target for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Structure-activity relationships within this series, leading to an increase of potency on the enzyme, are presented. The gem-dimethylcycloalkyl moiety fused to the pyridine ring proved to be a key element of the scaffold in order to get a higher affinity in the enzyme.