(2RS,4R)-3-(2-(3-Pyridinyl)thiazolidin-4-oyl)indoles represent a new class of potent, orally active antagonists of platelet activating factor (PAF). The compounds were prepared by acylation of the magnesium or zinc salts of substituted indoles with (2RS,4R)-2-(3-pyridinyl)-3-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)thiazolidin-4-oyl chloride. The 3-acylindole moiety functions as a hydrolytically stabilized and conformationally restricted anilide replacement, which imparts a considerable boost in potency to the series. Structure-activity relationships observed for substitution on the indole ring system are discussed. Members of the series compare favorably with other reported PAF antagonists.