Toward peptide receptor ligand drugs: Progress on nonpeptides

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to review the rapid progress that has recently been made toward developing selective peptide receptor ligands with appropriate properties to be drug molecules. Essentially all of these agents are novel, small molecule, nonpeptide compounds. With the exception of the opioid receptor agonists and antagonists, most of the ligands to be discussed have been discovered within the last ten years. In the three year period since this author last reviewed this field [1], new discoveries have been numerous. This chapter will attempt to highlight key representative nonpeptide ligands for peptide receptors to illustrate the structural diversity as well as relationships across receptor classes. Somewhat greater emphasis will be placed on cholecystokinin antagonists since this field has served as a prototype for much of the recent progress. As much as possible, the scientific literature through the middle of 1992 will be covered. Patent literature has mostly not been included.