Antifungal activity of synthetic di(hetero)arylamines based on the benzo[b]thiophene moiety

The antifungal activity of several di(hetero)arylamine derivatives of the benzob]thiophene system was evaluated against clinically relevant Candida, Aspergillus, and dermatophyte species by a broth macrodilution test based on CLSI (formerly NCCLS) guidelines. The most active compound showed a broad spectrum of activity (against all tested fungal strains, including fluconazole-resistant fungi), with particularly low MICs for dermatophytes. Results from the inhibition of the dimorphic transition in Candida albicans and flow cytometry studies further confirmed their biological activity. With this study it was possible to establish some structure-activity relationships (SARs). The hydroxy groups proved to be essential for the activity in the aryl derivatives. Furthermore, the spectrum of activity in the pyridine derivatives was broadened by the absence of the ester group on position 2 of the benzob]thiophene system.