Hybrids of Benzenesulfonamide Oxadiazole Derivatives with Dual CA II and COX-2 Inhibitory Activity Demonstrating Antiglaucoma and Anti-inflammatory Action: Synthesis, In Silico Insights, and In Vitro and In Vivo Bioevaluation

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide In this study, new sulfonamide derivatives 5a–g and 10a–e were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro COX inhibitory assays were performed, and among the synthesized compounds, 5b and 5d emerged as the most promising leads, combining COX-2 inhibition with remarkable selectivity (COX-2 IC 50 = 0.13 and 0.05 μM, SI = 9.25 and 12.02, respectively) and h CA II inhibition ( K i = 39.1 nM and 62.6 nM, respectively) with a high selectivity index over h CA I (SI = 933.8 and 704.2, respectively). In vivo evaluations confirmed that compounds 5b and 5d (50 mg/kg) possess promising analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, with rapid onset, sustained duration of action, and a reduced ulcerogenic liability, indicating an improved gastrointestinal safety profile. Additionally, 5b showed significant and sustained IOP-lowering effects in antiglaucoma animal models. Computational studies and X-ray crystallography were performed as a proof of concept.