A new class of 5-HT2B antagonists possesses favorable potency, selectivity, and rat pharmacokinetic properties

We have been exploring the potential of 5-HT2B antagonists as a therapy for chronic heart failure. To assess the potential of this therapeutic approach, we sought compounds possessing the following attributes: (a) potent and selective antagonism of the 5-HT2B receptor, (b) low impact of serum proteins on potency, and (c) desirable pharmacokinetic properties. This Letter describes our investigation of a biphenyl benzimidazole class of compounds that resulted in 5-HT2B antagonists possessing the above attributes. Improving potency in a human serum albumin shift assay proved to be the most significant SAR discovery.

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