8-(4-Methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazines: Selective and Centrally Active Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor-1 (CRF₁) Antagonists

This report describes the syntheses and structure-activity relationships of 8-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine corticotropin releasing factor receptor-1 (CRF1) receptor antagonists. CRF1 receptor antagonists may be potential anxiolytic or antidepressant drugs. This research culminated in the discovery of analogue 12-3. which is a potent, selective CRF1 antagonist (hCRF(1) IC50 = 4.7 +/- 2.0 nM) with weak affinity for the CRF-binding protein and biogenic amine receptors. This compound also has a good pharmacokinetic profile in dogs. Analogue 12-3 is orally effective in two rat models of anxiety: the defensive withdrawal (situational anxiety) model and the elevated plus maze test. Analogue 12-3 has been advanced to clinical trials.