High-throughput screening identified compound 1 as a potent P2X(7) receptor antagonist suitable for lead optimisation. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a series of (1H-pyrazol-4-yl)acetamides were investigated and compound 32 was identified as a potent P2X(7) antagonist with enhanced potency and favourable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.
Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, New Frontiers Science Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5AW, United Kingdom. laura.j.chambers@gsk.com