Hit-to-lead optimization of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines as novel cannabinoid type 1 receptor antagonists

Hit-to-lead optimization of a novel series of N-alkyl-N-[2-oxo-2-(4-aryl-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-5yl)-ethyl]-carboxylic acid amides, derived from a high throughput screening (HTS) hit, are described. Subsequent optimization led to identification of in vitro potent cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists representing a new class of compounds in this area. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.