5-(1H-Benzimidazol-1-yl)-3-alkoxy-2-thiophenecarbonitriles as potent, selective, inhibitors of IKK-ε kinase

The identification and hit-to-lead exploration of a novel, potent and selective series of substituted benzimidazole–thiophene carbonitrile inhibitors of IKK-ε kinase is described. Compound 12e was identified with an IKK-ε enzyme potency of pIC50 7.4, and has a highly encouraging wider selectivity profile, including selectivity within the IKK kinase family.