Synthesis of new hexahydropyrimido[1,2-a]azepine derivatives bearing functionalized aryl and heterocyclic moieties as anti-inflammatory agents.

New hexahydropyrimido[1,2-a]azepine derivatives bearing functionalized aryl and heterocyclic moieties were synthesized as anti-inflammatory agents with better safety profiles. All synthesized compounds were assessed in vitro for their COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition activities. The most selective compounds, 2f, 5 and 6, were further evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and PGE2 inhibitory activity. To rationalize their selectivity, molecular docking within COX-1 and COX-2 binding sites was performed. Their physicochemical properties and drug-like nature profile were also calculated. The good activity and selectivity of compounds 2f, 5 and 6 were rationalized using a molecular docking study and supported by in vivo studies. These promising findings are encouraging for performing future investigations of these derivatives.