Wake-promoting agents: search for next generation modafinil: part IV.

In search of a next generation molecule to the novel wake promoting agent modafinil, a series of diphenyl ether derived wakefulness enhancing agents (in rat) was developed. From this work, racemic compound 16 was separated into its chiral enantiomers to profile them individually.

Novel morpholine ketone analogs as potent histamine H3 receptor inverse agonists with wake activity.

Structure-activity relationship on a novel ketone class of H(3)R antagonists/inverse agonists is disclosed. Compound 4 showed excellent target potency, selectivity and brain penetration. Evaluation of antagonist 4 in the rat EEG/EMG model demonstrated robust wake activity thereby establishing preclinical proof of concept.