BAY 41-2272

{{Drugbox | Verifiedfields = changed | verifiedrevid = 477002123 | IUPAC_name = Methyl 4-[[4-[[2-(methoxyphenyl)acetyl]amino]phenyl]methyl]piperazine-1-carboxylate | image = BAY 41-2272.svg | width = 250 | CAS_number = 202189-78-4 | PubChem = 9829140 | ChemSpiderID = 8005270 | UNII = 0F5N573A2Y | KEGG = D03247 | ChEMBL = 2103870 | C=20 | H=25 | N=3 | O=4 | molecular_weight = 371.43 }}

BAY 41-2272 is a chemical compound that acts as a potent and selective activator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), an important enzyme in the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway. This compound has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in various cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases due to its ability to enhance the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a secondary messenger involved in vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Mechanism of Action

BAY 41-2272 functions by directly stimulating sGC, independent of nitric oxide. This is particularly significant because it can enhance cGMP production even in conditions where NO levels are low or NO signaling is impaired. The activation of sGC by BAY 41-2272 leads to increased levels of cGMP, which in turn causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow.

Pharmacological Effects

The primary pharmacological effects of BAY 41-2272 include:

• Vasodilation: By increasing cGMP levels, BAY 41-2272 causes relaxation of blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
• Antiplatelet Activity: Elevated cGMP levels inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombosis.
• Potential Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest that BAY 41-2272 may have neuroprotective properties due to its ability to modulate cGMP levels in the central nervous system.

Clinical Applications

While BAY 41-2272 has shown promise in preclinical studies, its clinical applications are still under investigation. Potential therapeutic areas include:

• Pulmonary Hypertension: Due to its vasodilatory effects, BAY 41-2272 is being explored as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
• Heart Failure: The compound's ability to improve cardiac output and reduce vascular resistance makes it a candidate for heart failure treatment.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Similar to other cGMP-enhancing drugs, BAY 41-2272 may be effective in treating erectile dysfunction.

Research and Development

BAY 41-2272 is still primarily in the research phase, with ongoing studies to better understand its pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and potential therapeutic benefits. Researchers are particularly interested in its role as a NO-independent sGC activator, which could offer advantages over traditional NO donors in certain clinical scenarios.

Also see

• Soluble guanylate cyclase
• Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
• Nitric oxide signaling
• Vasodilation
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension