Imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines as corticotropin releasing factor receptor ligands

A series of high affinity CRF receptor ligands with an imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine core is described. Individual analogues were synthesized and tested in vitro in rat brain receptors to determine binding affinity. The best compound was further tested in the dog N-in-1 pharmacokinetic model to assess oral bioavailability at 1 mg/kg po.