Preparation and pharmacological profile of 7-(alpha-azolylbenzyl)-1H-indoles and indolines as new aromatase inhibitors

Aromatase (P450 arom) is a target of pharmacological interest for the treatment of breast cancer. New series of 7-(alpha-azolylbenzyl)-1H-indoles and indolines were synthesized as non-steroidal inhibitors of P450 arom. Selectivity was studied towards P450 17alpha enzyme. The most active compound, 1-ethyl-7-[(imidazol-1-yl)(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indole 12c exhibited promising relative potency (rp) of 336 (rp of aminoglutethimide=1) and most of the described azoles were active and selective towards P450 arom.