Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of indole-3-heterocycles as agonists of the CB1 receptor
Angus J Morrison1, Julia M Adam, James A Baker
1Department of Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, MSD Ltd, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5SH, UK. angus.morrison@merck.com
Abstract:
Novel indole-3-heterocycles were designed and synthesized and found to be potent CB1 receptor agonists. Starting from a microsomally unstable lead 1, a bioisostere approach replacing a piperazine amide was undertaken. This was found to be a good strategy for improving stability both in vitro and in vivo. This led to the discovery of 24, which had an increased duration of action in the mouse tail flick test in comparison to the lead 1.
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