Diaryl quinolines (DARQs) are a chemical class of drugs that treat tuberculosis.
Although ATP synthase in bacteria is similar to its eukaryotic analogue, diarylquinoline agents (such as TMC207) are very specific to the bacterial enzyme,[2] so were expected to be safe for use in humans and other eukaryotes.
This also suggests that bacterial ATP synthase inhibition is an attractive therapeutic target.
[2] The reaction of aryl aldehyde, malonodinitrile, and 3‐arylamino‐5,5‐dimethylcyclohex‐2‐enone can produce 1,4-diarylquinolines.
[3] The reaction of enamides and imines can produce hetero aromatic quinoline derivatives.