2-Aryl benzimidazoles: Human SCD1-specific stearoyl coenzyme-A desaturase inhibitors

Abstract A series of potent, benzimidazole-based SCD inhibitors which demonstrate selectivity for the h SCD1 enzyme over the h SCD5 isoform are described. The compounds possess suitable cellular activity and pharmacokinetic properties which render them capable of inhibiting liver SCD activity in a mouse pharmacodynamic assay. These 2-aryl benzimidazoles may serve as valuable tools for studying selective h SCD1-inhibition.