Discovery and optimization of highly ligand-efficient oxytocin receptor antagonists using structure-based drug design

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2009 Feb 1;19(3):990-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.11.064. Epub 2008 Nov 24.

Abstract

A novel oxytocin antagonist was identified by 'scaffold-hopping' using Cresset FieldScreen molecular field similarity searching. A single cycle of optimization driven by an understanding of the key pharmacophoric elements required for activity led to the discovery of a potent, selective and highly ligand-efficient oxytocin receptor antagonist. Selectivity over vasopressin receptors was rationalized based on differences in the structure of the natural ligands.

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods
  • Drug Design*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Ligands
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / drug therapy
  • Oxytocin / chemistry*
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Oxytocin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Vasopressin / chemistry*
  • Vasopressins / chemistry*
  • Vasotocin / analogs & derivatives
  • Vasotocin / chemistry

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Oxytocin
  • Receptors, Vasopressin
  • atosiban
  • Vasopressins
  • Oxytocin
  • Vasotocin