Discovery of small molecule agonists for the bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3) based on an omeprazole lead.

Starting from a weak omeprazole screening hit, replacement of the pyridine with a 1,3-benzodioxole moiety, modification of the thioether linkage, and substitution of the benzimidazole pharmacophore led to the discovery of nanomolar BRS-3 agonists.