High-throughput screening identified 5 as a weak inhibitor of 11β-HSD1. Optimization of the structure led to a series of perhydroquinolylbenzamides, some with low nanomolar inhibitory potency. A tertiary benzamide is required for biological activity and substitution of the terminal benzamide with either electron-donating or-withdrawing groups is tolerated. The majority of the compounds show selectivity of> 20 to> 700-fold over 11β-HSD2. ...