β-Secretase (BACE1) inhibitors with high in vivo efficacy suitable for clinical evaluation in Alzheimer's disease.

An extensive fluorine scan of 1,3-oxazines revealed the power of fluorine(s) to lower the pK(a) and thereby dramatically change the pharmacological profile of this class of BACE1 inhibitors. The CF3 substituted oxazine 89, a potent and highly brain penetrant BACE1 inhibitor, was able to reduce significantly CSF A beta 40 and 42 in rats at oral doses as low as 1 mg/kg. The effect was long lasting, showing a significant reduction of A beta 40 and 42 even after 24 h. In contrast to 89, compound 1b lacking the CF3 group was virtually inactive in vivo.