Investigation of halogen substitution in lead compound 1 has led to the identification of analogues which combine high affinity for 5-HT(1A) receptors and potent serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity. Several compounds show an improved selectivity over 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(1D) receptors and a superior pharmacokinetic profile in the rat.
Psychiatry Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, New Frontiers Science Park, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex CM19 5AW, UK. Peter.J.Lovell@gsk.com