Discovery of novel inhibitors of human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs) are key enzymes regulating the pre-receptor metabolism of glucocorticoid hormones, which play essential roles in various vital physiological processes. The modulation of 11β-HSD type 1 activity with selective inhibitors has beneficial effects on various conditions including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity. Therefore, inhibition of tissue-specific glucocorticoid action by regulating 11β-HSD1 constitutes a promising treatment for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Here we report the discovery of a series of novel adamantyl carboxamides as selective inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1 in HEK-293 cells transfected with the HSD11B1 gene. Compounds 9 and 14 show inhibitory activity against 11β-HSD1 with IC50 values in 100 nM range. Docking studies with the potent compound 8 into the crystal structure of human 11β-HSD1 (1XU9) reveals how the molecule may interact with the enzyme and cofactor.