1 The pyridopyrimidine derivative IQM-95,333 ((4aS,5R)-2-benzyl-5-[N a -tert-butoxicarbonyl)L-tryptophyl]amino-1,3dioxoperhydropyrido [1,2-c] 3 Like devazepide, IQM-95,333 was a more potent antagonist of CCK-8S-than of CCK-4-induced contraction of the longitudinal muscle from guinea-pig ileum, suggesting selective antagonism at CCK A receptors. 4 IQM-95,333 and devazepide were also potent inhibitors of CCK-8S-stimulated amylase release from isolated pancreatic acini, a CCK A receptor-mediated e ect. The drug concentrations required (IC 50 s around 20 nM) were higher than in binding studies to pancreas homogenates. 5 Low doses (50 ± 100 mg kg 71 , i.p.) of IQM-95,333 and devazepide, without any intrinsic e ect on food intake or locomotion, blocked the hypophagia and the hypolocomotion induced by systemic administration of CCK-8S, two e ects associated with stimulation of peripheral CCK A receptors. 6 IQM-95,333 showed an anxiolytic-like pro®le in the light/dark exploration test in mice over a wide dose range (10 ± 5,000 mg kg 71 ). Typical CCK A and CCK B antagonists, devazepide and L-365,260 respectively, were only e ective within a more limited dose range. 7 In a classical con¯ict paradigm for the study of anxiolytic drugs, the punished-drinking test, 333,260 were e ective within a narrow dose range. The dose-response curve for the three drugs was biphasic, suggesting that other mechanisms are operative at higher doses. 8 In conclusion, IQM-95,333 is a potent and selective CCK A receptor antagonist both in vitro and in vivo with an anxiolytic-like activity in two di erent animal models, which can only be attributed to blockade of this CCK receptor subtype.