Previous SAR studies of C-3 side chain modified analogs of (-)-SCH 484
61,(1,3,4) as well as information concerning the metabolic stability t
his series, enabled us to design a cholesterol absorption inhibitor (i
.e., (-) 2a, SCH 57939) with tenfold higher potency and greatly enhanc
ed metabolic stability. The synthesis and pharmacological profile, inc
luding the role of relative stereochemistry at both the C3 and 1' posi
tions in determining the SAR of these compounds, will be discussed. Co
pyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd