Polycyclic compounds as soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors

In this invention, a novel family of benzohomoadamantane-based soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors is disclosed. The benzohomoadamantane scaffold is a polycyclic, readily accessible, system that features a homoadamantane unit fused with an aromatic ring. Although it has been scarcely used in medicinal chemistry, it is very versatile and permits several chemical derivatizations in its structure in order to improve the inhibitory activity and/or the DMPK properties of the compounds. This invention encompasses ureas, amides, carbamates and thioureas. The compounds are of interest for the broad range of therapeutic indications related to the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase, including inflammatory diseases, pain and neurodegeneration. This invention has been licensed to a US-based start-up that is actively recruiting investors and strategic partners for advancing a selected candidate to regulatory studies.