Aβ Aggregation inhibitors. Part 1: Synthesis and biological activity of phenylazo benzenesulfonamides

Phenylazo benzenesulfonamides were designed and synthesized as β-amyloid (Aβ40) fibril assembly inhibitors, and evaluated for inhibition of Aβ40 aggregation and neurotoxicity using rat cortical neurons. Compound 2 (LB-152) was the most potent compound in this study, and the para-NMe2 group on the end of the phenylazo moiety may play an important role in preventing Aβ40 fibril formation. LB-152 provides a new lead for further development of potential β-amyloid aggregation inhibitors to treat AD.