In Silico Molecular Docking, Synthesis of 4-(4-benzoylaminophenoxy) Phenol Derivatives as Androgen Receptor Antagonists

Aim and Objective: To study the structural difference, optimization, molecular docking and development of new benzoyl amino phenoxy phenol derivatives as anti-prostate cancer agents. Materials and Methods: Strategies towards the identification of novel benzoyl amino phenoxy phenol (BAPP), molecular docking was performed with the designed Androgen Receptor (AR) blockers. Pharmacophore-based studies revealed that the nitro- or cyano-substituted anilide groups have influenced the activity profiles of non-steroidal AR antagonists, followed by the molecular docking studies with five AR receptors. Molecular docking studies were carried out using Maestro from Schrödinger. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) properties of the BAPP derivatives were evaluated for the predictive bioavailability/drug-likeness. These studies supported vital information for designing new anti-prostate cancer agents. Results and Discussion: There are 125 compounds were screened and best fit compounds (12 entries) were well-synthesized in good to excellent yields and anticancer activities were evaluated. The compounds, 6i showed the highest activities of this series (14.65 ± 1.35 μM). Conclusion: The present approach is simple and efficient for the synthesis of BAPP derivatives and the observed IC50 values of BAPPs were in good agreement with the glide scores obtained from the molecular docking. We, further, intend to carry out in vitro and in vivo AR binding studies for the active compounds.