Synthesis and SAR studies of novel 2-(4-oxo-2-aryl-quinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetamide vasopressin V1b receptor antagonists

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships (SAR) of a novel series of vasopressin V1b (V3) antagonists are described. 2-(4-Oxo-2-aryl-quinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetamides have been identified with low nanomolar affinity for the V1b receptor and good selectivity with respect to related receptors V1a, V2 and oxytocin (OT). Optimised compound 12j demonstrates a good pharmacokinetic profile and activity in a mechanistic model of HPA dysfunction.