4-(Phenylsulfonamidomethyl)benzamides as potent and selective inhibitors of the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 with efficacy in diabetic ob/ob mice

Selective inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) have considerable potential as treatments for type 2 diabetes. Presented herein are the syntheses, structure-activity relationships, and efficacy evaluation of 4-(phenylsulfonamidomethyl)benzamides as 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors. Through modification of our initial lead 5, we have identified potent and selective 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors, such as 11n, which demonstrated improved glycemic control, decreased serum lipids, and enhanced Insulin sensitivity when dosed IP in diabetic ob/ob mice.