Synthesis and SAR of derivatives based on 2-biarylethylimidazole as bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) agonists for the treatment of obesity

This Letter describes a series of potent and selective BRS-3 agonists containing a biarylethylimidazole pharmacophore. Extensive SAR studies were carried out with different aryl substitutions. This work led to the identification of a compound 2-{2-[4-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl]ethyl}-5-(2,2-dimethylbutyl)-1H-imidazole 9 with excellent binding affinity (IC50 = 18 nM, hBRS-3) and functional agonist activity (EC50 = 47 nM, 99% activation). After oral administration, compound 9 had sufficient exposure in diet induced obese mice to demonstrate efficacy in lowering food intake and body weight via BRS-3 activation.

Graphical abstractA series of 2-biarylethylimidazole analogues were synthesized as BRS-3 selective agonists. Compound 9 was identified as a potent and selective BRS-3 agonist, which lowers food intake and body weight in rodents when administrated orally.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide