Investigation of the role of linker moieties in bifunctional tacrine hybrids

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurological disorder with multiple inter-connected factors playing roles in the onset and progression of the disease. One strategy currently being explored for the development of new therapeutics for AD involves linking tacrine, a known acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, to another drug to create bifunctional hybrids. The role and influence on activity of the linker moiety in these hybrids remains ill-defined. In this study, three series of 6-chlorotacrine with linkers varying in terminal functional group and length were synthesized, evaluated for AChE inhibition, and compared to tacrine and 6-chlorotacrine–mefenamic acid hybrids. Out of the compounds with terminal amine, methyl, and hydroxyl moieties tested, several highly potent molecules (low nanomolar IC₅₀ values) comprised of linkers with terminal amines were identified. These 6-chlorotacrine with linkers were significantly more potent than tacrine alone and were often more potent than similar 6-chlorotacrine–mefenamic acid hybrids.