In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacodynamic Characterization of Novel Analgesic Drug Candidate Somatostatin SST(4) Receptor Agonists

Background: Somatostatin released from the capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves mediates analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects via its receptor subtype 4 (SST(4)) without influencing endocrine functions. Therefore, SST(4) is considered to be a novel target for drug development in pain, especially chronic neuropathy which is a great unmet medical need. Purpose and Experimental Approach: Here, we examined the in silico binding, SST(4)-linked G protein activation and β-arrestin activation on stable SST(4) expressing cells and the effects of our novel pyrrolo-pyrimidine molecules (20, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000 µg·kg(−1)) on partial sciatic nerve ligation-induced traumatic mononeuropathic pain model in mice. Key Results: The novel compounds bind to the high affinity binding site of SST(4) the receptor and activate the G protein. However, unlike the reference SST(4) agonists NNC 26-9100 and J-2156, they do not induce β-arrestin activation responsible for receptor desensitization and internalization upon chronic use. They exert 65–80% maximal anti-hyperalgesic effects in the neuropathy model 1 h after a single oral administration of 100–500 µg·kg(−1) doses. Conclusion and Implications: The novel orally active compounds show potent and effective SST(4) receptor agonism in vitro and in vivo. All four novel ligands proved to be full agonists based on G protein activation, but failed to recruit β-arrestin. Based on their potent antinociceptive effect in the neuropathic pain model following a single oral administration, they are promising candidates for drug development.