Introduction of fluorine to phenyl group of 4-(2-pyrimidinylamino)benzamides leading to a series of potent hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors

In present study, a novel series of fluorine containing 4-(2-pyrimidinylamino)benzamide analogues were designed and synthesized. The hedgehog (Hh) signaling inhibitory activities for these compounds were evaluated by a luciferase reporter method. The preliminary SAR was discussed and many compounds showed potent Hh signaling inhibitory activities. Compound 15h displayed the most potent inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ of 0.050 nM. This paper finds the introduction of fluorine to the 4-(2-pyrimidinylamino)benzamide scaffold can lead to a novel series of potent Hh signaling pathway inhibitors.