Phenoxyalkylimidazoles with an oxadiazole moiety are subject to efflux inMycobacterium tuberculosis

The phenoxyalkylimidazoles (PAI) are an attractive chemical series with potent anti-tubercular activity targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis respiration. We determined if PAI compounds are subject to efflux. Two analogs containing an oxadiazole had improved potency in the presence of the efflux inhibitors reserpine and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazine, whereas the potency of an analog with a diazole was not affected. Verapamil was unable to boost compound potency.