A series of 2-substituted-4-([1, 2, 4] triazolo [1, 5-a] pyridin-6-yl)-5-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl) imidazoles was synthesized and evaluated to optimize a prototype inhibitor of TGF-β type I receptor kinase (ALK5), 6. Combination of replacement of a quinoxalin-6-yl moiety of 6 with a [1, 2, 4] triazolo [1, 5-a] pyridin-6-yl moiety, insertion of a methyleneamino linker, and ao-F substituent in the phenyl ring markedly increased ALK5 inhibitory activity, kinase ...