Identification of a novel spiropiperidine opioid receptor-like 1 antagonist class by a focused library approach featuring 3D-pharmacophore similarity.

A focused library approach identifying novel leads to develop a potent ORL1 antagonist is described. Beginning from a compound identified by random screening, an exploratory library that exhibited a diverse display of pharmacophores was designed. After evaluating ORL1 antagonistic activity, a highly focused library was designed based on 3D-pharmacophore similarity to known actives. A novel D-proline amide class was identified in this library and was found to possess potent ORL1 antagonistic activity.