Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N-(5-(2,5-dimethyl-phenoxy)-2,2-dimethylpentyl)-benzamide Derivatives as Novel Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) Antagonist

Background: Dyslipidemia is a serious threat to human health. The objective of our research was to develop effective FXR antagonists against dyslipidemia. Methods: Herein we describe the design, synthesis of 37 N-(5-(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)-2,2- dimethylpentyl)-benzamide derivatives and evaluated for their FXR inhibition ability compared to GS and SIPI-7623. Results: Structure–activity relationship analyses indicated that compounds containing hydroxyl on the right side of the phenyl were more effective than those without hydroxyl. Compound BI-24 was identified to have the most potent antagonic activity with an IC50 value of 10.8 μM for FXR, exhibited no cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells and reduced levels of TC, TG, LDL-C for 36%, 69%, and 32% on serum, respectively. Conclusion: Compound BI-24 may be developed to a potential agent for the treatment of dyslipidemia.