Identification and structure-activity studies of novel ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine receptor agonists

Abstract The synthesis and evaluation of novel ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine (USA BZD) agonists is described. A BZD scaffold was modified by incorporation of amino acids and derivatives. The propionate side chain of glutamic acid tethers an enzymatically labile functionality where the metabolite carboxylic acid displays markedly reduced BZD receptor affinity. The USA BZDs were characterized by full agonism profiles.©2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.