Integration of optimized substituent patterns to produce highly potent 4-aryl-pyridine glucagon receptor antagonists.

Optimized substituent patterns in 4-aryl-pyridine glucagon receptor antagonists were merged to produce highly potent derivatives containing both a 3-[(1R)-hydroxyethyl] and a 2'-hydroxy group. Due to restricted rotation of the phenyl-pyridine bond, these analogues exist as four isomers. A diastereoselective methylcopper reaction was developed to facilitate the synthesis, and single isomers were isolated with activities in the range IC(50)=10-25 nM.