Novel CGRP receptor antagonists through a design strategy of target simplification with addition of molecular flexibility

A novel class of CGRP receptor antagonists was rationally designed by modifying a highly potent, but structurally complex, CGRP receptor antagonist. Initial modifications focused on simplified structures, with increased flexibility. Subsequent to the preparation of a less-potent but more flexible lead, classic medicinal chemistry methods were applied to restore high affinity (compound 22, CGRP K i = 0.035 nM) while maintaining structural diversity relative to the lead. Good selectivity against the closely related adrenomedullin-2 receptor was also achieved.