Preliminary effects of pagoclone, a partial GABA(A) agonist, on neuropsychological performance

Synthesis of 2-Tetrazolylmethyl-isoindolin-1-ones via a One-Pot Ugi-Azide/(N-Acylation/exo-Diels-Alder)/Dehydration Process

A series of fifteen 2-tetrazolylmethyl-isoindolin-1-one linked-type bis-heterocycles were synthesized in 10-76% yields under mild conditions via a one-pot Ugi-azide/(N-acylation/exo-Diels-Alder)/dehydration process from furan-2-ylmethanamine, aldehydes, isocyanides, azidotrimethylsilane, and maleic anhydride. Density functional theory calculations were performed using the polarizable continuum model (toluene)-M06-2X-D3/6-311+G(d)//M06-2X-D3/6-31G(d) level of theory to obtain the full energy profile when investigating over eight possible pathways. An anthracene-containing analogue displayed a distribution of its highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital throughout both cyclic moieties.

Discontinued anxiolytic drugs (2009 - 2014)

INTRODUCTION

Anxiety is a complex psychiatric disorder with an unknown aetiology and involving several neurotransmitter systems. These constraints have meant that researchers have looked to develop drugs, which target a variety of molecular targets, with the aim of creating safer and more effective anxiolytic drugs. Apart from the 'traditional' GABAergic and serotonergic systems, the endocannabinoid, opioidergic, glutamatergic, neurokinin, and even cholinergic systems have been (and are being) considered as preferred targets for prospective new drugs.

AREAS COVERED

This review presents candidate drugs that were investigated for the treatment of anxiety-spectrum disorders and then discontinued between the 2009 and 2014 period.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the large variety of molecular targets, and the considerable financial and R&D resources dedicated to finding treatment solutions for anxiety-spectrum disorders, a great number of candidates have failed to reach the market. Indeed, there is still an unmet need for more effective anxiolytics that give patients a better quality of life. Although there are inherent problems with psychiatric drug development, it is thought that repurposed drugs may provide some benefit in the future.