10.1016/S0960-894X(01)00164-0
The research focuses on the development of 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives as Cholecystokinin (CCK-A) receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity. The purpose of the study was to synthesize and screen a series of 1,4-benzodiazepines, specifically N-1-substituted with an N-isopropyl-N-phenylacetamide moiety, for their ability to activate CCK-A receptors, which regulate satiety and could potentially be used as a pharmacotherapeutic intervention for obesity. The researchers demonstrated in vitro agonist activity on isolated guinea pig gallbladder and in vivo induction of satiety in a rat feeding assay following intraperitoneal administration. The study concluded that a novel series of potent and efficacious 1,4-benzodiazepine and 1,4-benzodiazepine-4-N-oxide CCK-A agonists were successfully developed, which showed promising results in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Key chemicals used in the process included 3-amino-1,4-benzodiazepine core, N-isopropyl-N-phenylacetamide (agonist trigger), bromoacetamides, and various substituents at the C-3 position such as phenyl ureas, anilino acetamides, and indolylmethyl groups.