Abstract The synthesis of new heterocyclic benzimidazolo-pyridazinones is described. The new compounds were evaluated as inotropic agents with 'calcium-sensitizing'effects. 5- Methyl-6-[2-(3-pyrazolyl)-5-benzimidazolyl]-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-pyridazin-3-one hydrochloride (meribendan) turned out to be the most interesting compound and was chosen for development as a positive inotrope.