Background: The design, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics and development of the highly selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist fluparoxan are reviewed.
Method: The drug's activity and selectivity in vitro, its efficacy in animals and its excellent oral pharmacokinetics and central α2-adrenoceptor antagonist activity in man, are evaluated as well as its ability to increase extracellular levels of noradrenaline, dopamine and acetylcholine in vivo.
Conclusion: Furthermore, its potential for the treatment of central neurodegenerative diseases is highlighted, in particular its improvement of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia and in models of Alzheimer's disease.
Keywords: Alzheimer's; depression; fluparoxan; schizophrenia; α2-adrenoceptor antagonist.
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