Discovery and optimization of efficacious neutral 4-amino-6-biphenyl-7,8-dihydropyrimido[5,4-f][1,4]oxazepin-5-one diacylglycerol acyl transferase-1 (DGAT1) inhibitorsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental protocols and references thereof are given. See DOI: 10.1039/c2md20231j

A series of neutral DGAT1 inhibitors with good potency and pharmacokinetics (PK) has been designed by modification of an acidic startpoint. This was achieved by selecting the acid with the highest ligand lipophilicity efficiency (LLE) and replacing the acid with neutral isosteres. PK properties ( F abs ) were then improved by removing the sidechain to reduce molecular weight and polar surface area (PSA). Compound 13 has shown good cross-species PK, with pre-clinical efficacy and PK/PD relationships comparable to those previously described for acidic inhibitors. Neutral DGAT1 inhibitors have been designed with comparable pre-clinical efficacy and PK/PD to those previously described for acidic inhibitors.