1,2,3-Triazole derivatives as new cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists

This letter reports the new entry of novel 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as CB1 receptor antagonists. The design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N1 and N2 substituted 1,2,3-trizoles are described. The N2 substituted, symmetrical 1,2,3-triazoles are more potent ligands than the unsymmetrical analogues. The in vitro activity of these triazoles is further improved by inserting a methylene group between the central core and the carbonyl side chain. The most potent antagonists prepared in this series (IC50 < 20 nM) are the triazoles containing benzyl amides. These triazoles also show excellent selectivity between CB1 and CB2 receptors (IC50 > 10 mu M for CB2; CB2/CB1 > 1000). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.