Novel nonsteroidal C17, 20-lyase inhibitors were synthesized using de novo design based on its substrate, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, and several compounds exhibited potent C17, 20-lyase inhibition. However, in vivo activities were found to be short-lasting, and in order to improve the duration of action, a series of benzothiophene derivatives were evaluated. As a result, compounds 9h,(S)-9i, and 9k with nanomolar enzyme inhibition (IC50= 4–9nM) and ...