Discovery and optimization of highly ligand-efficient oxytocin receptor antagonists using structure-based drug design

A novel oxytocin antagonist was identified by ‘scaffold-hopping’ using Cresset FieldScreen molecular field similarity searching. A single cycle of optimization driven by an understanding of the key pharmacophoric elements required for activity led to the discovery of a potent, selective and highly ligand-efficient oxytocin receptor antagonist. Selectivity over vasopressin receptors was rationalized based on differences in the structure of the natural ligands.