1,4-Benzodiazepine peripheral cholecystokinin (CCK-A) receptor agonists

A series of 1,4-benzodiazepines, N-1-substituted with an N-isopropyl-N-phenylacetamide moiety, was synthesized and screened for CCK-A agonist activity. In vitro agonist activity on isolated guinea pig gallbladder along with in vivo induction of satiety following intraperitoneal administration in a rat feeding assay was demonstrated.

A centralized global automation group in a decentralized organization

In the latter part of the 1990s, many companies have worked to foster a 'matrix' style culture through several changes in organizational structure. This type of culture facilitates communication and development of new technology across organizational and global boundaries. At Glaxo Wellcome, this matrix culture is reflected in an automation strategy that relies on both centralized and decentralized resources. The Group Development Operations Information Systems Robotics Team is a centralized resource providing development, support, integration, and training in laboratory automation across businesses in the Development organization. The matrix culture still presents challenges with respect to communication and managing the development of technology. A current challenge for our team is to go beyond our recognized role as a technology resource and actually to influence automation strategies across the global Development organization. We shall provide an overview of our role as a centralized resource, our team strategy, examples of current and past successes and failures, and future directions.

Discovery of 1,5-benzodiazepines with peripheral cholecystokinin (CCK-A) receptor agonist activity (II): Optimization of the C3 amino substituent

Analogs of the previously reported 1,5-benzodiazepine peripheral cholecystokinin (CCK-A) receptor agonist 1 were prepared which explore substitution and/or replacement of the C-3 phenyl urea moiety. Agonist efficacy on the isolated guinea pig gallbladder (GPGB) was retained with a variety of substituted ureas and amide analogs. Three compounds were identified which were orally active in the mouse gallbladder emptying assay (MGBE). The 2-indolamide (52) and N-(carboxymethyl)-2-indolamide (54) derivatives had improved affinity for the human CCK-A receptor but reduced agonist efficacy on the GPGB. Neither indolamide was orally active in a rat feeding assay. In contrast, the (3-carboxyphenyl)urea derivative (29, GW7854) had moderately increased affinity for the human CCK-B receptor but was a potent full agonist on the GPGB and was orally active in both the MGBE and rat feeding assays. GW7854 was a full agonist (EC50 = 60 nM) for calcium mobilization on CHO K1 cells expressing hCCK-A receptors and a potent antagonist of CCK-8 (pA2 = 9.1) on CHO K1 cells expressing hCCK-B receptors. GW7854 is a potent mixed CCK-A agonist/CCK-B antagonist which is orally active in two in vivo models of CCK-A-mediated agonist activity.