A series of 2-amino-5-benzoyl-4-phenylthiazole derivatives was investigated in radioligand binding studies at adenosine receptor (AdoR) subtypes with the goal to obtain potent and A(1)-selective antagonists. Acylation of the 2-amino group was found to be crucial for high A(1) affinity. The best compound of the present series was 2-benzoylamino-5-p-methylbenzoyl-4-phenylthiazole (16 m) showing a K(i) value of 4.83 nM at rat and 57.4 nM at human A(1) receptors combined with high selectivity versus the other AdoR subtypes. The compound behaved as an antagonist in GTP shift assays at A(1) receptors. Compound 16 m may serve as a new lead structure for the development of second-generation non-xanthine-derived A(1) antagonists which have potential as novel drugs.