We have developed a route towards novel 6,7-dihydropyrido[3',2':4,5]imidazo[1,2-d][1,4]benzodiazepines, in five straightforward steps from commercially available 2-bromobenzaldehydes and 3-(2-aminoethyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines we have described previously, with full control over the three elements of diversity. The route appears to be suitable for systematic exploration of structure-activity relationships around this medicinally relevant tetracyclic scaffold.