4-Iodopyridiens react with CO and HNEt2 or in the presence of a catalytic amount of PdCl2(PPh3)2 to give the corresponding α-keto amides and esters in fair to high yields.
Disclosed are prodrugs of CGRP antagonists, methods of treating CGRP related disorders, e.g., migraine, by administering to a patient in need thereof the prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising prodrugs and kits including the pharmaceutical compositions and instructions for use.