Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel 8-Methoxyquinolones Bearing Fused Pyrrolidinyl Moieties at the C-7 Position with Potent Antibacterial Activity Against Respiratory Pathogens

Novel 8-methoxyquinolones bearing fused pyrrolidinyl moieties at the C-7 position were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their potent antibacterial activity for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Compound 5, possessing a trans-fused octahydroisoindole ring at the C-7 position of the quinolone scaffold, exhibited potent in vitro antibacterial activity against nosocomial respiratory pathogens including levofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Furthermore, compound 5 showed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile after a single oral administration in rats.