Synthesis and SAR studies of benzimidazole derivatives as melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists: Focus to detune hERG inhibition

Melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists are potentially useful in the treatment of several CNS disorders such as obesity, stress, depression and anxiety. In a previous article, we have described a novel series of benzimidazoles as MCHR1 antagonists. These compounds showed good efficacy in obesity models but the lead compound also showed potent inhibition of hERG potassium channel. Described herein the medicinal chemistry attempts to reduce hERG inhibition while retaining MCHR1 antagonistic profile.