Design and synthesis of novel N-sulfonyl-2-indole carboxamides as potent PPAR-γ binding agents with potential application to the treatment of osteoporosis

The synthesis and structure–activity relationships of a novel series of N-sulfonyl-2-indole carboxamides that bind to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) are reported. Chemical optimization of the series led to the identification of 4q (IC50 = 50 nM) as a potent binding agent of PPAR-γ. Also reported is preliminary cell based data suggesting the use of these compounds in the treatment of osteoporosis.