Homology modeling inspired synthesis of 5-HT _2A receptor inhibitors: A diazepine analogue of the atypical antipsychotic JL13

Background: The benzoxazepine JL13 is an analogue of the clozapine family of antipsychotic agents which target the 5-HT _2A receptor, and has showed promise as an atypical antipsychotic agent. Based on the dearth of clinically effective anti-psychotic agents available, we sought to design and chemically synthesize additional analogues. Methods: Structure function analysis was conducted using state of art computational methods, which were designed to highlight new candidates for chemical synthesis. Efficient syntheses were then conducted and the products screened for affinity to the receptor. Results: Among many new analogues prepared, an aza analogue demonstrated seventeen times greater affinity for the receptor than JL13. Conclusion: An efficient synthetic route to an aza-analogue of JL13 was developed and will allow rapid modifications of the core and synthesis of related libraries.