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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Rapid access towards follow-up NOP receptor agonists using a knowledge based approach.
Ronald Palin1, John K Clark, Louise Evans
1Department of Chemistry, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML15SH, UK. ronald.palin@spcorp.com
Researchers identified novel NOP receptor agonists using a knowledge-based approach. Compound 51 shows high affinity and potency for the NOP receptor with decreased hERG channel affinity.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- NOP receptor agonists are investigated for therapeutic potential.
- Developing selective NOP receptor agonists is a key challenge.
- Simplified hydrophobic moieties can influence receptor binding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel NOP receptor agonists with simplified hydrophobic groups.
- To explore structural modifications of the benzimidazol-2-one piperidine motif.
- To assess the selectivity of identified compounds for the NOP receptor over the hERG channel.
Main Methods:
- Knowledge-based drug design approach.
- Systematic substitution of hydrophobic groups on the piperidine motif.
- Pharmacophore-guided bio-isosteric replacement of the benzimidazol-2-one moiety.
- In vitro assays to determine NOP receptor affinity and hERG channel affinity.
Main Results:
- Several novel NOP receptor agonists were identified.
- Compound 51 demonstrated high affinity and potent agonistic activity at the NOP receptor.
- Compound 51 exhibited reduced affinity for the hERG channel, indicating improved selectivity.
Conclusions:
- The knowledge-based approach successfully identified potent and selective NOP receptor agonists.
- Structural modifications, including simplified hydrophobes, are effective in optimizing NOP receptor agonist properties.
- Compound 51 represents a promising lead candidate for further development due to its favorable NOP receptor activity and selectivity profile.
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