Discovery of a Novel Multitarget Analgesic Through an In Vivo-guided Approach

1. Introduction

Pain is a complex and multifactorial experience influenced by a combination of peripheral and central mechanisms, immune responses, and psychological factors [1]. This complexity presents a major challenge for the development of effective analgesic therapies, particularly for chronic and neuropathic pain conditions, which are often refractory to conventional treatments. Traditional single-target drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, have provided relief for some patients but are frequently associated with significant side effects, including tolerance, dependence, and limited efficacy in addressing the multiple dimensions of pain signaling.

Figure 1. Newly designed scaffold based on the lead compounds.

Figure 1. Newly designed scaffold based on the lead compounds.

In recent years, a shift toward multitarget approaches has gained momentum in drug discovery. By simultaneously modulating multiple pathways involved in pain transmission and modulation [2,3,4], multitarget analgesics offer a more comprehensive strategy that holds promise for better therapeutic outcomes [5,6,7]. This strategy has the potential to enhance efficacy, reduce side effects, and mitigate the risk of tolerance that commonly arises with single-target drugs.

One promising approach to discovering novel multitarget analgesics is the use of in vivo-guided models, which allow for the real-time evaluation of drug candidates in biological systems that closely mimic human pain pathways [8,9,10]. In vivo models provide invaluable insights into the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of compounds, enabling the identification of promising drug candidates that engage multiple targets relevant to pain.

In this study, we utilized an in vivo-guided approach to identify a novel multitarget analgesic that modulates key mechanisms involved in pain perception, transmission, and modulation. Through the integration of in vivo pain models and pharmacological assays, we aimed to discover and characterize a compound that addresses the limitations of current analgesics and offers potential as a more effective treatment for chronic and neuropathic pain.

Opiranserin (1), also known as VVZ-149, is a multitarget analgesic identified through ex-vivo screening [5]. This compound exhibits a unique pharmacological profile by selectively targeting several key pathways implicated in pain modulation. It functions as a glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) blocker with an IC₅₀ = 0.86 uM, effectively inhibiting the reuptake of glycine, a critical inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in spinal pain processing. Additionally, it acts as a purine receptor P2X₃ antagonist with an IC₅₀ = 0.87 uM, targeting receptor associated with nociceptive signaling in peripheral sensory neurons. Furthermore, it demonstrates antagonistic activity at the serotonin receptor 5-HT_2A with an IC₅₀ = 1.3 uM, modulating central serotonin pathways that contribute to pain perception. This multitarget profile makes opiranserin a promising candidate for managing diverse pain types, offering an alternative to traditional analgesics. Opiranserin has been studied clinically for intravenous use in the management of postoperative pain, aiming to reduce the need for opioid [11]. The drug was approved on December 2024 by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea for the short-term treatment of moderate and severe acute postoperative pain in adults.

Vilazodone (2), primarily known as an antidepressant due to its dual action as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a partial agonist of the serotonin 5-HT_1A receptor, has shown potential as our lead compound in analgesic development [12,13]. Its mechanism of action, which modulates serotonin pathways, is relevant in pain perception and modulation. Serotonin plays a key role in descending pain pathways, which are involved in pain inhibition. By enhancing serotonin levels and activating 5-HT_1A receptors, vilazodone may help alleviate pain, particularly in conditions where central sensitization and neuropathic pain are involved. Additionally, its dual action reduces the likelihood of developing side effects commonly associated with traditional analgesics. Therefore, vilazodone represents a promising candidate for the development of novel analgesics targeting pain-related pathways.

As a primary in-vivo screening method, we employed the formalin test, a widely used experimental model in pain research, particularly for assessing the efficacy of potential analgesic candidates [14,15,16,17,18]. It involves injecting formalin into the paw of an animal, which induces a biphasic pain response—initial acute pain (1^st phase) followed by a prolonged inflammatory phase (2^nd phase). This biphasic response allows researchers to evaluate analgesics that target both acute (nociceptive) and chronic (inflammatory/neuropathic) pain mechanisms, offering insights into the multitarget potential of a compound. Since the test engages both peripheral nociceptor activation and central sensitization mechanisms, it enables the screening of compounds that may work at multiple levels of the pain pathway. Analgesics that reduce both the first and second phases of the formalin test could be considered as targeting both peripheral and central pain mechanisms. Given the complexity of the pain response in the formalin test, it is an ideal model for assessing multitarget analgesics. A novel analgesic may show efficacy in modulating both inflammatory and neuropathic components of pain, thus having broader therapeutic potential.

In our efforts to discover a novel multitarget analgesic through in vivo-guided screening, we designed a new scaffold (3) inspired by the pharmacophores of opiranserin and vilazodone. This design integrates a 5-cyanoindole core and either arylpiperazine or arylpiperidine, both of which are well-known 5-HT receptor modulators. These components are connected via an alkylamido linker, enabling dual functionality [19].

In this study, a series of scaffold 3 analogs was synthesized and subsequently screened for their ability to inhibit the 2^nd phase of the formalin test, a key model for assessing analgesic potential. Among the synthesized compounds, compound 29 emerged as the lead condidate due to its significant inhibitory activity. This compound was selected for further in-depth investigation, including studies in a neuropathic pain model, detailed mechanism of action analyses, and comprehensive pharmacokinetic and toxicological evaluations.

2. Results and Discussion

2.1. Synthesis

For the synthesis of 4-aryl-1-aminoalkylpiperazine (Scheme 1), 1-arylpiperazine 7, a key intermediate, was prepared using three distinct methods. First, an aniline-type aryl 4 was reacted directly with bis(2-chloroethyl)amine hydrochloride to produce piperazine 7. Second, aromatic halides 5 undewent palladium-catalyzed coupling with N-Boc-piperazine, followed by Boc group deprotection, yielding 7. Third, a 2-chloropyridine-type aryl 6 was directly condensed with piperazine to obtain 7. Subsequent alkylation of 7 with (N-Boc)-aminoethyl iodide or (N-Boc)-aminopropyl bromide produced intermediate 8, which, upon Boc group deprotection, yielded 1-aryl-4-aminoalkylpiperidine 11.

Conversely, 4-aryl-1-aminoalkylpiperidine 12 was synthesized starting from commercially available 4-arylpiperidine 9, following the same synthetic pathway employed for the corresponding piperazine analogs.

For the synthesis of 4-arylcarbonyl-1-aminoalkylpiperazine (Scheme 2), aromatic acyl halide 13 was condensed with N-Boc-piperazine to form an intermediate 14, which, after Boc deprotection, yielded 15. Alkylation of 15 with (N-Boc)-aminoalkyl halide, followed by subsequent deprotection provided the primary amines 17.

The final compounds (20-55) were synthesized by coupling the amines, 11, 12, and 17, with either 5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid 18 or its N-Boc protected analog 19, using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) as the coupling reagent, respectively (Scheme 3). This synthetic strategy enabled the generation of a diverse library of compounds for pharmacological evaluation.

2.2. Animal Studies

2.2.1. Primary In Vivo Screening

For primary screening, the synthesized compounds were administered to mice via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg using the formalin model. The percentage inhibition relative to the vehicle in the second phase was calculated, and the results are presented in Table 1 and Table 2.

The structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis provided valuable insights. In the series of piperazine analogs, the ethyl linker derivatives generally demonstrated greater inhibition compared to the corresponding propyl linker derivatives (Table 1). Within the aryl ring series, the 3-substituted phenyl analogs (20-22, 36-38) exhibited superior inhibitory activity compared to the corresponding 4-substituted analogs (23-25, 39-41). Notably, 3-chlorophenyl analogs, 21 and 37, as well as the 3-trifluoromethyl analog 22, showed exceptional inhibition in this test. In contrast, the pyridine analogs (26-28, 42-44) displayed moderate inhibitory activity.

Further investigation into various bicyclic aryl groups commonly utilized in 5-HT modulating CNS drugs revealed additional trends. Examples include quinoline (29, 45) as seen in quipazine; 2-carbamoylbenzofuran (30, 46) as in vilazodone; (2,4-dimethylphenyl)thiophenyl (31, 47) as in vortioxetine; benzisothiazole (32, 48) as in ziprasidone. Among these, only quinoline analogs, 29 and 45, demonstrated strong inhibition in both ethyl and propyl linkers. Additionally, arylcarbonyl analogs (33-35, 49-51), including 2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxine-2-carbonyl group as in doxazosin, exhibited weak to moderate inhibitory activity.

In the series of piperidine analogs, derivatives such as 6-fluorobenzoisoxazole (52, 54) as in risperidone, and 6-chlorobenzimidazol-2-one (53, 55) as in clopimozide, were explored at the 4-position of piperdine. These compounds also displayed weak to moderate inhibitory activity (Table 2).

Overall, six compounds, 3-chlorophenyl (21 and 37), 3-trifluorophenyl (22), quinoline (29 and 45), (2,4-dimethylphenyl)thiophenyl (31) derivatives, exhibited inhibition percentages exceeding 70% among the 36 compounds tested. These compounds were selected for further evaluation to determine their ED₅₀ values in the formalin model.

2.2.2. Formalin MODEL Study

The six selected compounds, which demonstrated strong inhibitory effects exceeding 70% during initial screenings, was further evaluated to determine their ED₅₀ values in the 2^nd phase of the formalin model. Each compound was assessed using four doses (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection.

All tested compounds exhibited potent analgesic effects, with ED₅₀ values ranging from 0.79 to 3.2 mg/kg in the 2^nd phase of the model. Among them, compound 29 demonstrated the highest potency, with an ED₅₀ value of 0.78 mg/kg, indicating its superior efficacy compared to the other compounds (Table 3). While the activity of the compound in the 1^st phase was relatively weak, a trend of concentration-dependent inhibition was observed during this phase (Figure 2). This finding suggests that compound 29 may exert its effects through mechanisms that are more prominent in the later, inflammatory phase of the formalin model. Such results underscore the compound’s potential as a highly effective analgesic agent with both dose-dependent and phase-specific activity.

2.2.3. Neuropathic Pain Model Study

To evaluate its potency in neuropathic pain, compound 29 was tested in the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model, a representative model for neuropathic pain [20,21].

The SNL model, also known as the Chung model, is a widely used animal model for studying neuropathic pain, a chronic pain condition resulting from nervous system damage. This model replicates human neuropathic pain, which can stem from nerve injuries due to conditions like diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injury. In the SNL model, the L5 or L6 spinal nerve is surgically ligated to induce nerve injury, leading to the development of long-lasting neuropathic pain symptoms in the animal. Following the nerve injury, animals display pain-related behaviors that mirror those seen in human neuropathic pain conditions, such as allodynia and hyperalgesia. Behavioral assessments conducted on 14 days after surgery evaluate the animal’s sensitivity to mechanical stimuli using Von Frey filaments to quantify pain responses and measure mechanical allodynia.

In this experiment, compound 29 was administered intraperitoneally at two different doses, 50 and 100 mg/kg, and its analgesic effects were assessed by measuring the 50% withdrawal threshold at multiple time points (1, 3 and 5 hours post-administration) (Figure 3A). Compound 29 demonstrated dose-dependent analgesic activity, as evidenced by an increase in the withdrawal threshold. The analgesic effect was most pronounced at 3 hours after administration, indicating a T_max of 3 hours, as confirmed by an in vivo pharmacokinetic study (refer to Figure 4 and Table 6). At this peak, the compound achieved a maximum possible effect (MPE) of 24% at the 50 mg/kg dose and 45% at the 100 mg/kg dose (Figure 3B). These results clearly highlight the compound’s ability to produce significant analgesic effects in a dose-dependent manner in a neuropathic pain model, with a notable enhancement in efficacy observed at the higher dose.

2.3. Mechanism Study

To elucidate the mechanism of action of compound 29 in producing analgesic effects, its inhibitory effects were systematically evaluated through a screening process. The compound was tested at a concentration of 10 μM against a diverse panel of 47 drug target molecules that are closely associated with pain modulation pathways. The results indicated that, among them, 16 targets exhibited more than 50% inhibition in response to compound 29. This suggests that the compound interacts significantly with a subset of targets involved in pain signaling. To further refine these findings and understand the potency of its activity, IC₅₀ values were subsequently determined for those receptors, compared to their corresponding representative reference, demonstrating the highest levels of inhibition among the 16 identified targets (Table 4).

Compound 29 demonstrated strong inhibition of monoamine reuptake at dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET) and serotonin (SERT) transporters, with K_i values of 0.046, 0.38 and 0.13 µM, respectively. These values indicate that it was 19 times more potent than at DAT compared to vanoxerine, 3 times more potent at NET compared to desipramine, and 13 times more potent at SERT compared to fluoxetine, highlighting compound 29’s superior efficacy in modulating monoamine transporter activity compared to these widely known reference compounds.

Additionally, compound 29 exhibited notable binding affinity for several key receptor associated with pain modulation and neurotransmitter systems. Specifically it showed binding affinities for the adrenergic α_2A receptor, dopamine D_2L (long isoform of D₂ receptor) and serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor, with K_i values of 4.11, 1.85 and 0.15 mM, respectively. These values correspond to 0.25, 0.02, and 1.53 times the activity of reference compounds, yohimbine, spiperone and ketanserin, respectively, highlighting the compound’s broad interaction with neurotransmitter system.

Overall, the analgesic mechanism of compound 29 is primarily attributed to its strong triple monoamine uptake inhibition, with a particularly potent effect observed at DAT and SERT. Additionally its activity at the 5-HT_2A receptor further supports its potential as a multifaceted agent in pain management. The combined activity across these targets underscores the compound’s promise as a therapeutic candidate with diverse and complementary mechanism of action.

2.4. Pharmacokinetic Study

In the in vitro metabolic stability study, the stability of compound 29 was evaluated using liver microsomes derived from both mouse and human sources. The primary objectives of this study was to determine the metabolic clearance rate of compound 29 over a defined time period, enabling an assessment of its intrinsic clearance. Microsomal incubations were performed, and the percentage of intact compound remaining was quantified at specific time points.

After 30 minutes of incubation, it was observed that 51.2% of the parent compound remained intact in mouse liver microsomes, while 55.6% remained intact in human liver microsomes (Table 5). These results suggest that compound 29 demonstrates moderate metabolic stability across both species, with slightly higher stability in human microsomes compared to mouse microsomes. Such findings are indicative of the compound’s potential for further investigation in drug development.

To assess the ability of compound 29 to permeate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a BBB PAMPA (Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay) experiment was conducted. This assay is a widely used in vitro model to predict the potential of compounds to cross the BBB. During the experiment, the permeability of compound 29 was quantified by measuring its LogPe value, which was determined to be 4.5 (Table 5). This high value strongly indicates that it has a high potential to permeate the BBB efficiently. With its high BBB permeability, compound 29 is expected to exert pharmacological effects in the brain, making it a promising candidate for central nervous system (CNS) drugs.

The in vivo pharmacokinetics parameters of compound 29 were measured in rats over 24 h following intraperitoneal (ip) and oral (po) administration (Figure 4). These experiments were conducted to evaluate the compound’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles under different routes of administration.

Following ip administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg, the mean area under the curve from the time of dosing to the last measurable concentration (AUC_last) was 1,030 ng·h/mL, with a maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of 208 ng/mL. The half-life of the compound under this route of administration was calculaed to be 3.49 hours, with a time to reach maximum concentration (T_max) of 2.83 hours. These results suggests a relatively high systemic exposure and sustained plasma concentration following ip administration. In contrast, oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in an AUC_last of 407 ng·h/mL and a C_max of 113 ng/mL. The half-life was significantly shorter at 1.67 hours, and the T_max was observed to be 1.50 hours. Compared to ip administration, the oral route showed approximately 5-fold lower exposure and 2-fold lower in vivo stability (Table 6).

These findings highlight the pharmacokinetic advantages of ip administration for animal studies of compound 29, demonstrating greater systemic exposure and prolonged stability compared to oral administration.

2.5. Toxicity Study

In the in vitro toxicity study, we initially evaluated the cytotoxic potential of compound 29 using a hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT-22), a commonly used model for assessing neurotoxicity. Cell viability was determined after exposure to compound 29 at a concentration of 10 μM. The result indicated that it did not exhibit any toxic effects on HT-22 cells, as cell viability was maintained at levels exceeding 100% relative to the untreated control group. These findings suggest that compound 29 is nontoxic at the tested concentration, supporting its potential for further development and use in biological systems without significant cytotoxicity concerns.

The hERG gene encodes a cardiac potassium ion channel (Kv11.1) that is critical for the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. This channel plays a pivotal role in returning ventricular muscle cells to their resting state following depolarization. Inhibition or suppression of hERG channel activity by a drug can lead to a prolonged action potential duration, increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and the potentially fatal condition torsades de pointes.

To evaluate the cardiotoxicity of compound 29, a hERG fluorescence polarization assay was conducted, with results compared to E-4031, a well-known and potent hERG channel inhibitor used as a positive reference. At a concentration of 10 μM, it exhibited 52.7% inhibition of hERG channel activity. Based on this degree of inhibition, its IC₅₀ value was estimated to be approximately 10 μM (Table 7). These findings indicate that compound 29 has a moderate potential for hERG channel inhibition, which warrants further investigation to assess its cardiotoxic risk in clinical applications.

In the drug–drug interaction study, the potential inhibitory effects of compound 29 on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were assessed by examining five representative isozymes: CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6. Ketoconazole, a well-characterized strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, was used as the reference inhibitor to validate the assay conditions. At a tested concentration of 10 μM, compound 29 exhibited minimal inhibitory activity (less than 50% inhibition) against CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6, indicating that a low likelihood of significant interactions with these enzymes. However, it demonstrated substantial inhibition of CYP3A4, the most abundant isozyme, with 78% activity suppression under the same conditions. This level of inhibition suggests that compound 29 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, which may have implications for its potential drug-drug interaction profile. (Table 8).

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Chemistry

All chemical reagents and solvents were commercially available. Silica gel column chromatography was performed using ZEOprep 60/40–63 μm silica gel (ZEOCHEM, Louisville, KY, USA). 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on JEOL JNM-ECZ400S spectrrometer (400 MHz for 1H and 100 MHz for 13C; JEOL Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan).

Chemical shifts are reported in parts per million (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane (Me₄Si) as internal standard. High-resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were measured by fast atom bombardment (FAB) with a JEOL JMS-700 MStation instrument (JEOL Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan). All final compounds were purified to greater than 95% purity, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC was performed on an Agilent 1120 Compact LC (G4288A) instrument (Agilent Technologies, Santaclara, CA, USA) using an Agilent TC-C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm).

• General Procedure

3.1.1. Synthesis of 1-arylpiperazine 7 (Procedure 1)

Method A:

A mixture of aniline-type aryl 4 (1.0 equiv) and bis-(2-chloroethyl)amine hydrochloride (1.2 equiv) in 1,2-dichlorobenzene was stirred at 180°C for 2h or in ethylene glycol and monomethyl ether was stirred at 150°C for overnight. After completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water, and extracted twice with ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The organic phase was collected, washed thrice with water, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography with MeOH/MC (1:20 and 1:10) as an eluent to afford the desired product 7.

Method B, C:

A solution of aromatic halides 5 (1.0 equiv) in Toluene was added with NaOtBu (2 equiv), Pd(dba)₃ (0.025 equiv), BINAP (0.05 equiv) and N-Boc-piperazine (1.0 equiv) was reflux overnight. After completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water, and extracted twice with ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The organic phase was collected, washed thrice with water, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography with MeOH/MC (1:20 and 1:10) as an eluent to afford the Boc-piperazine intermediate. Then the intermediate (1.0 equiv) dissolved in MC was added with TFA (10 equiv) at 0°C and stirred at room temperature for 1h. After completion, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 1N NaOH to PH > 7 at 0°C, diluted with water, and extracted twice with MC and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The organic phase was collected, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated under vacuum to afford the desired product 7.

Method D:

A mixture of 2-chloropyridine-type aryl 6 (1.0 equiv) and piperazine (10 equiv) in ethylene glycol was stirred at 140°C for 2h. After completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water, and extracted twice with ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The organic phase was collected, washed thrice with water, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography with MeOH/MC (1:20 and 1:10) as an eluent to afford the desired product 7.

3.1.2. Alkylation of 7 or 9 or 15 (Procedure 2)

A solution of 1-arylpiperazine 7 or commercially available 4-arylpiperidine 9 or intermediate 15 (1.0 equiv) in ACN was added with (N-Boc)-aminoethyl iodide or (N-Boc)-aminopropyl bromide (1.5 equiv) and K₂CO₃ (2 equiv) and stirred at 60°C overnight. After completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, filtrated to remove the K₂CO₃, washed with MC and concentrated under vacuum. Then purified using silica gel column chromatography with MeOH/MC (1:40) as an eluent to afford the desired productm 8 or 10 or 16 .

3.1.3. Deprotection of 8 or 10 or 14 or 16 (Procedure 3)

A solution of intermediate 8 or 10 or 14 or 16 (1.0 equiv) in MC was added with TFA (10 equiv) at 0°C and stirred at room temperature for 1h. After completion, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 1N NaOH to PH>7 at 0°C, diluted with water, and extracted twice with MC and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The organic phase was collected, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated under vacuum to afford the desired product 11 or 12 or 15 or 17.

3.1.4. Synthesis of 14 (Procedure 4)

A mixture of aromatic acyl halide 13 (1.0 equiv) in MC was added with N-Boc-piperazine (1.0 equiv) and TEA (2 equiv) at 0°C and stirred at room temperature for 3h. After completion, the reaction mixture was diluted with water, and extracted twice with MC. The organic phase was collected, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography with EtOAc/hexane (1:7 and 1:4) as an eluent to afford the desired product 14.

3.1.5. EDC Coupling (Procedure 5)

A mixture of 5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid 18 or its N-Boc protected analog 19 (0.9 equiv) in MC was added with HOBt (1.5 equiv) , EDC (1.5 equiv) and DIPEA (3 equiv) at 0°C and stirred at 0°C for 30min. And then added the amine 11 or 12 or 17 (1.0 equiv) and stirred at room temperature for overnight. After completion, the reaction mixture was diluted with water, and extracted twice with MC and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). The organic phase was collected, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography with MeOH/MC (1:20) as an eluent to afford the desired product 20-55.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(3-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (20)

Yield 55%, white solid, mp: 225.8 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.01 (s, 1H), 8.46-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.15-8.22 (m, 1H), 7.96-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.06-7.18 (m, 1H), 6.66-6.74 (m, 2H), 6.47-6.54 (m, 1H), 3.40 (q, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.13-3.15 (m, 4H), 2.53-2.59 (m, 4H), 2.50 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.93, 164.19, 162.86, 153.38, 153.31, 138.40, 130.83, 130.75, 130.62, 126.83, 126.35, 125.13, 120.96, 113.91, 111.96, 111.31, 111.29, 105.15, 104.99, 103.13, 102.28, 102.08, 57.77, 53.13, 48.20, 36.67; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₂H₂₂FN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 392.1887, found: 392.1898.

• N-(2-(4-(3-Chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (21)

Yield 50%, white solid, mp: 218.2 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.01 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.63 (m, 1H), 8.14-8.17 (m, 1H), 7.96-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.20 (m, 1H), 6.87-6.98 (m, 1H), 6.84-6.86 (m, 1H), 6.72-6.76 (m, 1H), 3.37-3.47 (m, 2H), 3.10-3.20 (m, 4H), 2.53-2.60 (m, 4H), 2.50 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.19, 152.80, 138.40, 134.32, 130.91, 130.63, 126.83, 126.36, 125.13, 120.97, 118.47, 114.99, 114.12, 113.91, 111.96, 103.13, 57.77, 53.14, 48.19, 36.67; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₂H₂₂ClN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 408.1591, found: 408.1596.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (22)

Yield 17%, white solid, mp: 214.7 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.03 (s, 1H), 8.51 (t, J = 0.8 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.01 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 7.02 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.20 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 2.56-2.60 (m, 4H), 2.51 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.19, 151.77, 138.34, 130.63, 130.50, 130.47, 126.82, 126.35, 126.06, 125.13, 120.96, 119.09, 115.00, 113.97, 111.96, 111.16, 103.12, 57.75, 53.13, 48.14, 36.57; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₂F₃N₅O, [M+H]⁺: 442.1855, found: 442.1848.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (23)

Yield 68%, white solid, mp: 222.6 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 11.90-12.02 (m, 1H), 8.47-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.10-8.17 (m, 1H), 7.96-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.50 (m, 1H), 6.96-7.04 (m, 2H), 6.83-6.93 (m, 2H), 3.39 (q, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.00-3.05 (m, 4H), 2.55-2.60 (m, 4H), 2.50 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.22, 157.41, 155.54, 148.48, 138.40, 130.62, 126.82, 126.34, 125.14, 120.97, 117.59, 117.53, 115.83, 115.65, 113.91, 111.96, 103.13, 57.77, 53.31, 49.51, 36.67; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₂H₂₂FN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 392.1887, found: 392.1883.

• N-(2-(4-(4-Chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (24)

Yield 71%, white solid, mp: 252.1 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.47-8.55 (m, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.01 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.54-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.21 (m, 2H), 6.85-6.96 (m, 2H), 3.39 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.05-3.10 (m, 4H), 2.55 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 2.50 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.22, 150.37, 138.40, 130.62, 129.10, 126.82, 126.34, 125.14, 122.76, 120.97, 117.29, 113.91, 111.95, 103.13, 57.76, 53.15, 48.54, 36.66; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₂H₂₂ClN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 408.1591, found: 408.1596.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (25)

Yield 62%, white solid, mp: 250.9 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51 (q, J = 0.7 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 15.1 Hz, 1H), 7.96-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.01 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.40 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.21-3.26 (m, 4H), 2.54-2.60 (m, 4H), 2.51 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.20, 153.81, 138.40, 130.63, 126.83, 126.68, 126.64, 126.61, 126.36, 125.13, 120.96, 118.15, 114.63, 113.91, 111.96, 103.13, 57.76, 53.02, 47.53, 36.66; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₂F₃N₅O, [M+H]⁺: 442.1855, found: 442.1848.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (26)

Yield 67%, white solid, mp: 231.3 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.17 (d, J = 14.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.07-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.00 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.52 (t, J = 4.9 Hz, 4H), 3.40 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 2.48-2.58 (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.22, 159.07, 145.25, 144.98, 139.51, 138.40, 130.63, 126.84, 126.36, 125.13, 123.28, 120.96, 113.89, 111.96, 111.22, 109.10, 109.07, 103.13, 57.79, 52.95, 44.84, 36.66; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₂H₂₁F₃N₆O, [M+H]⁺: 443.1807, found: 443.1804.

• N-(2-(4-(3-Chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (27)

Yield 90%, white solid, mp: 243.3 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.15-8.20 (m, 2H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.75 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (dd, J = 7.8, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 3.39-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.24 (s, 4H), 2.62 (d, J = 36.4 Hz, 4H), 2.48-2.52 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.23, 158.27, 146.55, 139.59, 138.40, 130.63, 126.84, 126.37, 125.13, 122.05, 120.96, 118.88, 113.91, 111.88, 103.13, 57.87, 53.22, 49.27, 36.65; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₁H₂₁ClN₆O, [M+H]⁺: 409.1544, found: 409.1548.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (28)

Yield 49%, white solid, mp: 222.9 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (dd, J = 4.7, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.15-8.17 (m, 1H), 7.99-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (ddd, J = 7.7, 4.9, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 3.39 (q, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.18 (t, J = 4.7 Hz, 4H), 2.55-2.65 (m, 4H), 2.50 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.24, 159.57, 152.09, 138.40, 138.23, 138.20, 130.61, 126.83, 126.36, 125.14, 120.96, 117.96, 115.79, 115.54, 113.91, 111.93, 103.13, 57.81, 53.32, 50.95, 36.66; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₂H₂₁F₃N₆O, [M+H]⁺: 443.1807, found: 443.1814.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(quinolin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (29)

Yield 72%, white solid, mp: 228.2 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.52-8.55 (m, 1H), 8.17 (d, J = 14.4 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.64-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.52 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.16-7.24 (m, 2H), 3.66 (t, J = 4.9 Hz, 4H), 3.38-3.47 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.60 (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.22, 157.61, 147.78, 138.41, 137.84, 130.64, 129.88, 127.89, 126.85, 126.55, 126.37, 125.13, 123.26, 122.53, 120.97, 113.91, 111.97, 110.63, 103.13, 57.88, 53.31, 45.15, 36.70; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₅H₂₄N₆O, [M+H]⁺: 425.2090, found: 425.2102.

• N-(2-(4-(2-Carbamoylbenzofuran-5-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (30)

Yield 60%, white solid, mp: 258.4 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.01 (s, 1H), 8.51 (t, J = 0.8 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.97-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.58 (td, J = 4.2, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J = 9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J = 9.7, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.12-7.15 (m, 2H), 3.37-3.47 (m, 2H), 3.07-3.16 (m, 4H), 2.59-2.64 (m, 4H), 2.52 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.19, 160.42, 150.20, 149.62, 148.86, 138.40, 130.63, 128.26, 126.83, 126.35, 125.14, 120.97, 118.60, 113.92, 112.32, 111.97, 110.19, 108.07, 103.13, 57.82, 53.47, 50.34, 36.71; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₅H₂₄N₆O₃, [M+H]⁺: 457.1988, found: 457.1974.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(2-((2,4-dimethylphenyl)thio)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (31)

Yield 65%, white solid, mp: 247.2 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (d, J = 12.2 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.04-7.07 (m, 2H), 6.84-6.87 (m, 1H), 6.34 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 3.39-3.47 (m, 2H), 2.98 (s, 4H), 2.60 (s, 4H), 2.54 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.28-2.32 (m, 3H), 2.16-2.23 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.20, 149.64, 142.19, 139.60, 138.41, 136.28, 133.87, 132.20, 130.65, 128.52, 127.93, 126.83, 126.34, 126.14, 125.14, 124.75, 120.99, 120.59, 113.92, 112.00, 103.13, 57.85, 53.72, 51.78, 36.72, 21.24, 20.63; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₃₀H₃₁N₅OS, [M+H]⁺: 510.2328, found: 510.2317.

• N-(2-(4-(Benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (32)

Yield 52%, white solid, mp: 256.7 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.03 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H), 8.52-8.55 (m, 1H), 8.18 (dd, J = 14.8, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.00-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.56-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.42 (m, 1H), 3.42 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 6H), 2.74 (d, J = 63.4 Hz, 4H), 2.48-2.58 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.27, 164.04, 152.52, 138.41, 130.65, 128.39, 127.88, 126.84, 126.37, 125.15, 124.93, 124.69, 121.58, 120.99, 113.92, 111.92, 103.14, 57.84, 53.11, 50.15, 36.64; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₂N₆OS, [M+H]⁺: 431.1654, found: 431.1664.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (33)

Yield 31%, white solid, mp: 148.1 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.03 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.25 (m, 2H), 3.49-3.76 (m, 2H), 3.34-3.46 (m, 4H), 2.48-2.63 (m, 4H), 2.44-2.32 (2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 168.54, 164.19, 164.00, 162.05, 138.40, 132.88, 132.85, 130.62, 130.07, 129.99, 126.83, 126.34, 125.13, 120.97, 115.99, 115.81, 113.91, 111.95, 103.12, 57.58, 53.15, 42.29, 36.59; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₂FN₅O₂, [M+H]⁺: 420.1836, found: 420.1844.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (34)

Yield 71%, white solid, mp: 143.5 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.12 (d, J = 68.4 Hz, 1H), 8.51-8.68 (m, 1H), 8.15-8.19 (m, 1H), 7.97-8.09 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.24-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, 1H), 7.01-7.05 (m, 1H), 3.38-3.47 (m, 2H), 3.20 (t, J = 4.9 Hz, 4H), 2.56-2.63 (m, 4H), 2.51 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.20, 151.77, 138.41, 130.64, 130.50, 130.46, 130.26, 126.83, 126.36, 126.07, 125.12, 123.91, 120.97, 119.18, 115.00, 113.91, 111.95, 111.31, 103.12, 57.75, 53.13, 48.14, 36.67; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₄H₂₂F₃N₅O₂, [M+H]⁺: 470.1804, found: 470.1817.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine-2-carbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (35)

Yield 83%, white solid, mp: 140.2 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51 (s, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.96-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 6.84-6.86 (m, 1H), 6.78-6.83 (m, 3H), 5.17 (dd, J = 6.4, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.33 (dd, J = 11.9, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.13 (dd, J = 11.8, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 3.36-3.59 (m, 6H), 2.48-2.60 (m, 4H), 2.35 (d, J = 27.6 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 165.17, 164.20, 143.58, 143.39, 138.40, 130.63, 126.84, 126.35, 125.14, 121.97, 121.85, 120.97, 117.52, 117.38, 113.91, 111.95, 103.13, 69.91, 65.25, 57.58, 53.50, 52.95, 45.60, 42.00, 36.57; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₅H₂₅N₅O₄, [M+H]⁺: 460.1985, found: 460.1987.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(3-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (36)

Yield 33%, white solid, mp: 229.9 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.50 (t, J = 0.8 Hz, 1H), 8.14-8.17 (m, 1H), 7.96-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (q, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.66-6.71 (m, 2H), 6.48 (td, J = 8.2, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.28 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.12 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 2.46 (q, J = 1.9 Hz, 4H), 2.32-2.38 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.75 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.84, 164.24, 162.86, 153.34, 138.40, 130.83, 130.75, 130.54, 126.88, 126.44, 125.07, 121.00, 113.89, 111.97, 111.30, 111.28, 105.14, 104.98, 103.04, 102.26, 102.06, 56.16, 53.13, 48.21, 37.58, 27.22; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₄FN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 406.2043, found: 406.2031.

• N-(3-(4-(3-Chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (37)

Yield 61%, white solid, mp: 240.1 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.00 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.15 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.96-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.14-7.18 (m, 1H), 6.88 (t, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.83-6.85 (m, 1H), 6.72-6.74 (m, 1H), 3.27 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.11-3.13 (m, 4H), 2.46 (q, J = 1.9 Hz, 4H), 2.27-2.38 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.75 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.23, 152.79, 138.39, 134.32, 130.91, 130.47, 126.90, 126.43, 125.11, 120.99, 118.46, 114.96, 114.09, 113.86, 111.99, 103.08, 56.15, 53.12, 48.18, 37.57, 27.21; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₄ClN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 422.1748, found: 422.1739.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (38)

Yield 27%, white solid, mp: 208.1 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.00 (s, 1H), 8.51 (q, J = 0.7 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (d, J = 3.5 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 7.01 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 3.27 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.13-3.21 (m, 4H), 2.49 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 2.37 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.67-1.75 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.23, 151.77, 138.39, 130.47, 130.26, 126.89, 126.42, 126.05, 125.11, 123.88, 120.99, 119.16, 115.02, 113.87, 111.99, 111.22, 103.07, 56.16, 53.12, 48.14, 37.58, 27.22; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₄H₂₄F₃N₅O, [M+H]⁺: 456.2011, found: 456.2025.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (39)

Yield 34%, white solid, mp: 240.2 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.14 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.03-7.15 (m, 2H), 6.97 (q, J = 4.5 Hz, 2H), 3.41-3.67 (m, 4H), 3.33 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.05-3.11 (m, 6H), 1.90-2.04 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.73, 138.42, 130.87, 126.82, 126.36, 125.17, 120.99, 118.35, 118.26, 116.09, 115.91, 113.95, 111.66, 103.15, 53.91, 42.20, 18.54, 17.25, 12.72; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₄FN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 406.2043, found: 406.2039.

• N-(3-(4-(4-Chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (40)

Yield 19%, white solid, mp: 241.8 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.00 (s, 1H), 8.50 (q, J = 0.8 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.05 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.16-7.19 (m, 2H), 6.89 (td, J = 6.4, 3.8 Hz, 2H), 3.24-3.28 (m, 2H), 3.07-3.12 (m, 4H), 2.47-2.48 (m, 4H), 2.32-2.37 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.74 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.23, 150.38, 138.39, 130.47, 129.10, 126.89, 126.42, 125.11, 122.73, 120.99, 117.27, 113.87, 111.99, 103.07, 56.16, 53.15, 48.56, 37.58, 27.21; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₄ClN₅O, [M+H]⁺: 422.1748, found: 422.1745.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (41)

Yield 38%, white solid, mp: 250.7 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.00 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.01 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (s, 2H), 3.23 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 2.48 (t, J = 4.7 Hz, 4H), 2.32-2.38 (m, 2H), 1.67-1.75 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.23, 153.81, 138.39, 130.47, 126.89, 126.68, 126.64, 126.42, 125.11, 120.99, 118.43, 118.14, 114.62, 113.87, 111.99, 103.08, 56.14, 53.01, 47.53, 37.55, 27.21; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₄H₂₄F₃N₅O, [M+H]⁺: 456.2011, found: 456.2025.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (42)

Yield 82%, white solid, mp: 230.7 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.15-8.19 (m, 1H), 8.02-8.07 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.76 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.06-7.11 (m, 1H), 6.98 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.58 (d, J = 69.1 Hz, 4H), 3.27 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (s, 4H), 2.32-2.38 (m, 2H), 1.62-1.73 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.24, 159.07, 144.94, 139.52, 138.39, 130.48, 126.90, 126.44, 125.09, 123.28, 120.99, 113.86, 111.97, 111.22, 109.29, 103.07, 56.18, 52.95, 44.81, 37.54, 27.03; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₃F₃N₆O, [M+H]⁺: 457.1964, found: 457.1977.

• N-(3-(4-(3-Chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (43)

Yield 93%, white solid, mp: 201.8 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.15-8.21 (m, 2H), 7.99-8.08 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.77 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.49 (m, 1H), 6.93-6.98 (m, 1H), 3.23-3.27 (m, 6H), 2.51-2.77 (m, 4H), 2.32-2.40 (m, 2H), 1.58-1.73 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.25, 158.23, 146.55, 139.58, 138.39, 130.48, 126.90, 126.44, 125.09, 122.05, 120.99, 118.95, 113.86, 111.98, 103.07, 56.19, 53.15, 49.20, 37.53, 26.99; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₂H₂₃ClN₆O, [M+H]⁺: 423.1700, found: 423.1696.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (44)

Yield 63%, white solid, mp: 201.9 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.01 (s, 1H), 8.50-8.53 (m, 1H), 8.47 (dd, J = 4.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.15-8.18 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.10 (m, 1H), 7.96-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (dd, J = 7.7, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 3.27 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.17 (t, J = 4.6 Hz, 4H), 2.51-2.65 (m, 4H), 2.32-2.41 (m, 2H), 1.67-1.75 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.27, 159.55, 152.10, 138.39, 138.23, 138.19, 130.48, 126.89, 126.42, 125.58, 125.11, 123.38, 120.99, 118.04, 115.72, 113.87, 111.96, 103.08, 56.09, 53.22, 50.86, 37.50, 27.07; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₃F₃N₆O, [M+H]⁺: 457.1964, found: 457.1977.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(quinolin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (45)

Yield 44%, white solid, mp: 215.2 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.07 (s, 1H), 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.00 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.16-7.28 (m, 2H), 3.80 (d, J = 114.0 Hz, 4H), 3.46-3.34 (2H), 2.71 (d, J = 133.7 Hz, 4H), 2.03-2.29 (m, 2H), 1.74 (s, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 172.54, 164.32, 147.72, 138.41, 137.92, 130.55, 129.93, 127.91, 126.89, 126.56, 126.43, 125.12, 123.32, 122.64, 121.00, 113.89, 111.92, 110.64, 103.10, 56.14, 53.27, 44.78, 37.31, 21.59; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₆H₂₆N₆O, [M+H]⁺: 439.2246, found: 439.2248.

• N-(3-(4-(2-Carbamoylbenzofuran-5-yl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (46)

Yield 81%, white solid, mp: 243.5 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J = 9.4, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.12-7.14 (m, 2H), 3.09 (t, J = 4.4 Hz, 4H), 2.53-2.60 (m, 4H), 2.32-2.41 (m, 2H), 1.87-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.72 (td, J = 14.0, 6.8 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.24, 160.29, 150.07, 149.58, 148.83, 138.26, 130.48, 128.26, 126.90, 125.11, 121.00, 118.59, 113.87, 112.32, 111.99, 110.20, 108.05, 103.07, 56.18, 53.43, 50.29, 40.65, 40.56, 40.48, 40.39, 40.32, 40.23, 40.15, 40.06, 39.98, 39.89, 39.73, 39.56, 37.60, 27.21; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₆H₂₆N₆O₃, [M+H]⁺: 471.2145, found: 471.2144.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(2-((2,4-dimethylphenyl)thio)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (47)

Yield 22%, white solid, mp: 217.7 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.51-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.16-8.19 (m, 1H), 8.08 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.19 (d, J = 15.1 Hz, 1H), 7.03-7.08 (m, 3H), 6.83-6.89 (m, 1H), 6.33-6.35 (m, 1H), 3.28 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.95-3.09 (m, 4H), 2.48-2.65 (m, 4H), 2.42 (s, 2H), 2.24-2.31 (m, 3H), 2.16-2.22 (m, 3H), 1.68-1.76 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.27, 149.59, 142.18, 139.60, 138.40, 136.27, 133.87, 132.19, 130.50, 128.51, 127.91, 126.90, 126.42, 126.33, 126.14, 125.12, 124.76, 121.00, 120.54, 113.87, 112.00, 103.08, 56.21, 53.63, 51.70, 37.60, 27.11, 21.23, 20.62; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₃₁H₃₃N₅OS, [M+H]⁺: 524.2484, found: 524.2486.

• N-(3-(4-(Benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (48)

Yield 43%, white solid, mp: 227.0 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.03 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H), 8.35-8.51 (m, 1H), 8.17 (dd, J = 11.8, 3.3 Hz, 1H), 8.05-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 7.57-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.41 (m, 1H), 3.43 (s, 4H), 3.29 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.60-2.76 (m, 4H), 2.47 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 2H), 1.70-1.76 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.29, 163.98, 152.52, 138.40, 130.50, 128.40, 127.86, 126.89, 126.42, 125.13, 124.94, 124.67, 121.59, 121.00, 113.88, 111.96, 103.08, 56.14, 55.42, 53.01, 50.02, 37.49, 27.07; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₄H₂₄N₆OS, [M+H]⁺: 445.1811, found: 445.1814.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (49)

Yield 29%, white solid, mp: 140.3 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.14 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (t, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (ddd, J = 11.9, 5.3, 3.2 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.26 (m, 2H), 3.51 (d, J = 40.0 Hz, 2H), 3.25 (q, J = 6.4 Hz, 4H), 2.34 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 6H), 1.62-1.74 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 168.51, 164.23, 162.00, 138.39, 132.88, 130.48, 130.06, 129.99, 126.88, 126.42, 125.11, 120.99, 115.99, 115.81, 113.87, 111.96, 103.07, 55.98, 53.10, 47.89, 37.47, 27.17; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₄H₂₄FN₅O₂, [M+H]⁺: 434.1992, found: 434.1988.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (50)

Yield 36%, white solid, mp: 142.8 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.01 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.15-8.18 (m, 1H), 8.05 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.22 (m, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 7.00-7.05 (m, 1H), 3.28-3.38 (m, 2H), 3.14-3.18 (m, 4H), 2.48 (t, J = 4.6 Hz, 4H), 2.32-2.39 (m, 2H), 1.67-1.73 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.23, 151.76, 138.39, 130.48, 130.46, 130.26, 126.90, 126.43, 126.07, 125.09, 123.90, 120.99, 119.15, 114.99, 113.86, 111.99, 111.29, 111.26, 103.08, 56.16, 53.12, 48.14, 37.58, 27.23; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₅H₂₄F₃N₅O₂, [M+H]⁺: 484.1960, found: 484.1956.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine-2-carbonyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (51)

Yield 82%, white solid, mp: 143.1 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 11.94 (d, J = 65.6 Hz, 1H), 8.48-8.51 (m, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 15.1 Hz, 1H), 8.00-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.52 (m, 1H), 6.83-6.90 (m, 1H), 6.68-6.82 (m, 3H), 5.13-5.26 (m, 1H), 4.27-4.34 (m, 1H), 4.13 (dd, J = 11.6, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 3.38-3.57 (m, 4H), 3.27 (q, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.29-2.43 (m, 6H), 1.65-1.70 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 165.15, 164.24, 143.56, 143.37, 138.39, 130.48, 126.89, 126.42, 125.12, 121.98, 121.87, 120.99, 117.53, 117.38, 113.87, 111.97, 103.08, 69.91, 65.24, 55.97, 53.54, 52.95, 45.59, 41.99, 37.48, 27.16; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₆H₂₇N₅O₄, [M+H]⁺: 474.2141, found: 474.2135.

• 5-Cyano-N-(2-(4-(6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (52)

Yield 88%, white solid, mp: 208.9 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.95-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.64 (dd, J = 9.1, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (td, J = 9.1, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.39-3.47 (m, 2H), 3.12 (s, 1H), 3.01 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 2.48-2.58 (m, 2H), 2.18 (s, 2H), 1.99-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.84 (t, J = 10.8 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 165.18, 164.26, 163.59, 163.15, 138.44, 130.62, 126.84, 126.35, 125.14, 124.37, 124.28, 120.96, 117.77, 113.91, 113.13, 112.89, 111.87, 103.13, 97.97, 97.71, 57.89, 53.55, 37.05, 33.80, 30.58; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₁FN₆O_2, [M+H]⁺: 432.1836, found: 432.1834.

• N-(2-(4-(5-Chloro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (53)

Yield 90%, white solid, mp: 266.7 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.06 (s, 1H), 10.99 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.59 (dd, J = 8.5, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.91-6.95 (m, 2H), 4.11 (s, 1H), 3.37-3.49 (m, 2H), 3.03-3.13 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.29 (q, J = 11.2 Hz, 2H), 2.13 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.61-1.72 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.28, 154.20, 138.42, 130.65, 129.94, 128.68, 126.85, 126.40, 125.27, 125.14, 120.97, 120.52, 113.92, 111.93, 110.30, 109.21, 103.13, 57.59, 53.26, 50.82, 37.08, 29.06; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₃H₂₂ClN₇O₂, [M+H]⁺: 463.1649, found: 463.1659.

• 5-Cyano-N-(3-(4-(6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)propyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (54)

Yield 96%, white solid, mp: 224.1 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.16-8.19 (m, 1H), 8.07 (t, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.94-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.22 (td, J = 8.9, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 3.27 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.11 (t, J = 11.1 Hz, 1H), 2.98 (s, 2H), 2.32-2.41 (m, 2H), 2.10 (s, 2H), 1.93-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.78-1.90 (m, 2H), 1.68-1.74 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 165.14, 164.25, 163.58, 163.47, 163.17, 161.73, 138.40, 130.48, 126.89, 126.43, 125.09, 124.35, 124.25, 120.99, 117.77, 113.87, 113.10, 112.90, 111.99, 103.07, 97.96, 97.75, 56.27, 53.47, 37.55, 33.66, 30.41, 26.87; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₄H₂₃FN₆O₂, [M+H]⁺: 446.1992, found: 446.2002.

• N-(3-(4-(5-Chloro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)propyl)-5-cyano-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (55)

Yield 82%, white solid, mp: 197.8 ^oC; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.02 (s, 1H), 10.98 (s, 1H), 8.47-8.55 (m, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.03-8.08 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (dd, J = 9.9, 1.7 Hz, 2H), 4.10 (t, J = 11.9 Hz, 1H), 3.27 (s, 2H), 2.93-3.01 (m, 2H), 2.40 (s, 2H), 2.25-2.32 (m, 2H), 1.84-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.68-1.75 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.63 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 164.25, 154.20, 138.40, 130.49, 130.08, 128.70, 126.89, 126.43, 125.28, 125.11, 120.99, 120.57, 113.88, 111.99, 110.29, 109.21, 103.07, 55.92, 53.20, 50.97, 37.55, 29.15, 27.36; HRMS (FAB) calc. for C₂₄H₂₄ClN₇O₂, [M+H]⁺: 477.1806, found: 477.1815.

3.2. In Vitro Receptor Assay

The screening of pain-related receptors for the mechanism of action study of compound 29 was conducted by outsourcing the experiment to Eurofins (https://www.eurofins.com).

3.3. In Vivo Assay

3.3.1. Animals

ICR male mice weighing 23–25 g were purchased from Samtako Korea (Osan, Korea). ICR mice were housed four per cage in a room with 12 h light–dark cycles. The temperature and relative humidity of the room were maintained at 22 ± 2 ◦C and 50 ± 5%, respectively. Food and water were available ad libitum. The procedures for animal testing were approved by Medifron Animal Care and Use Committees (Approval number; Medifron 2019-9). Efforts were made to minimize animal suffering and to reduce the number of animals used.

3.3.2. Formalin Model Test

Mice were randomly assigned to five groups (four per group) and single-dose drugs were administered by intraperitoneal injection. The formalin-induced licking paw test was modified from the method described by Dubuisson and Dennis [14]. Each mouse was acclimated to an acrylic observation chamber for at least 30 min before the injection of formalin. Twenty microliters of 2% formalin was injected subcutaneously into the right side of the hind paw. Each mouse was then placed in an individual clear plastic observational chamber (15×15×15), and the pain response was recorded for a period of 30 min. The summation of time (in seconds) spent in licking and biting responses of the injected paw during each 5 min block was measured as an indicator of the pain response. The first period (early phase) was recorded 0-5 min after the injection of formalin, and the second period (late phase) was recorded 20-30 min after the injection. The test compound was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before the formalin injection at three different doses: 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 mg/Kg. The vehicle was DMSO/Cremophor EL/D.W. (10/10/80). The data were expressed as the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Statistical analysis was assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni’s post-hoc test. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05, with values of p <0.001 considered highlt significant.

3.3.3. Spinal Nerve Ligation (SNL) Model Test

Ligation of the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves in the rats was used as an experimental model of neuropathic pain. The rats were anesthetized by inhalation of 4% isoflurane in 95% of O₂, and anesthesia was maintained throughout the surgery. The surgical procedure was performed according to the method described by Kim and Chung [20]. The left L5 spinal nerve was isolated and ligated tightly with 6–0 black silk. The wound was closed in anatomical layers, with the skin being closed with stainless steel wound clips. The animals were then allowed to recover after the surgery. The behavioral signs representing neuropathic pain (mechanical allodynia) were examined in all the rats for 2 weeks postoperatively. The mechanical withdrawal threshold to the application of a von Frey filament (Stoelting, Wood Dale, IL, USA) was measured by using the up–down method [21]. The most sensitive area was first determined by poking various areas of the paw with a von Frey hair. Next, the actual test was conducted by gently poking various areas of the spot with the filament. A von Frey filament was applied 10 times (once every 3–4 sec) to each hind paw. The forces of the von Frey filaments ranged from 0.8 to 15 g. The frequency of foot withdrawal expressed as a percentage was used as the index of mechanical allodynia. The animals received the vehicle or drug by intraperitoneal injection. The vehicle was DMSO/Cremophor EL/D.W. (10/10/80). The test compound was administered at two different doses: 50 and 100 mg/Kg. The measurements to assess mechanical allodynia were taken at 1 , 3 and 5 hr after dosing. The results were analyzed using Student’s t-test and are presented as the mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

3.3.4. Statistical Analysis

The results from the PC12 differentiation assay were reported as mean ± SEM of three different experiments and were evaluated using ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test. The results from the water permeability assay were expressed as means ± SEM of 4–15 single shots (time course curves) for each of the 4–6 different experiments and were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by the Newman–Keuls Q test. The results from the in vivo toxicity in the zebrafish model were reported as the mean of the values assessed using a sample score sheet, as reported by Brannen KC and colleagues. The formalin assay results are presented as the mean ± SEM for 8 mice per group and were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni’s post hoc test. In addition, the data from Chung’s neuropathic pain model are expressed as the mean ± SEM and were analyzed using Student’s t-test. The data were considered to be statistically significant if p < 0.05 (*), p < 0.01 (**), p < 0.001 (***), and p < 0.0001 (****). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Software (version 9.3).

4. Conclusions

Pain is a multifaceted experience influenced by peripheral, central, immune and psychological factors. Targeting multiple pathways offers a holistic approach, improving efficacy, minimizing side effects, and reducing tolerance compared to single-target drugs. In vivo-guided approach are a promising tool for discovering multitarget analgesics. This study used this to identify a novel analgesic targeting key pathways in pain perception, transmission and regulation.

A new scaffold (3) inspired by the pharmacophores of opiranserin and vilazodone has been designed and the synthesized its analogs were screened for the 2^nd phase inhibition in the formalin test, among which compound 29 was selected for further investigation.

In the formal model, compound 29 exhibited the high potency with an ED₅₀ value of 0.78 mg/kg in the second phase with a tendency of concentration-dependent inhibition during the first phase. In the SNL neuropathic pain model, it demonstrated dose-dependent analgesic effects by increasing the withdrawal threshold with 24 and 45% MPE at 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Extensive mechanism study indicated that it analgesic activity is primarily attributed to its strong triple uptake inhibition, particularly at DAT and SERT, along with 5-HT_2A antagonism.

In BBB PAMPA experiment, it showed high BBB permeability suitable for CNS drugs. The in vivo pharmacokinetics study in rats showed that ip administration provided 5-fold greater exposure and 2-fold higher stability compared to oral administration. Following ip administration, the half-life was 3.49 h with a T_max of 2.83 h, while po administration resulted in a half-life of 1.67 h and a T_max of 1.50 h. For the in vitro toxicity study, it was nontoxic to HT-22 normal neuronal cell but potential hERG inhibition with 52.7% inhibition at 10 μM. Additionally, in the CYP inhibition study, it displayed strong inhibiton of CYP3A4, while showing minimal inhibition of other tested isozymes.

Overall, compound 29 is a novel and potent analgesic identified through an in vivo-guide approach with a multarget mechanism. Further optimization is in progress to minimize the observed side effects.