Publications by authors named "William Geiss"

Novel P2X(7) antagonists were developed using a purine scaffold. These compounds were potent and selective at the P2X(7) receptor in human and rodent as well as efficacious in rodent pain models. Compound 15a was identified to have oral potency in several pain models in rodent similar to naproxen, gabapentin and pregabalin.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) efforts around our initial lead compound 1 led to the identification of potent P2X(7) receptor antagonists with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. These compounds were potent and selective at the P2X(7) receptor in both human and rodent. Compound (entry 31) exhibited oral efficacy in the rat MIA and CCI pain models.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

We have previously demonstrated that the prototypical GABA B receptor agonist baclofen inhibits transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), the most important mechanism for gastroesophageal reflux. Thus, GABA B agonists could be exploited for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, baclofen, which is used as an antispastic agent, and other previously known GABA B agonists can produce CNS side effects such as sedation, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting at higher doses.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Amiloride (1), the prototypical epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) blocker, has been administered with limited success as aerosol therapy for improving pulmonary function in patients with the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis. This study was conducted to synthesize and identify more potent, less reversible ENaC blockers, targeted for aerosol therapy and possessing minimal systemic renal activity. A series of novel 2-substituted acylguanidine analogues of amiloride were synthesized and evaluated for potency and reversibility on bronchial ENaC.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The effects of the novel GABA analogue (2R)-(3-amino-2-fluoropropyl)sulphinic acid (AFPSiA) on transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLOSRs) were studied in the dog. In addition, the GABA(A)/GABA(B) selectivity was determined in vitro and in vivo, and the pharmacokinetics and the metabolism of the compound were studied in the dog and rat. TLOSRs were reduced by 55 +/- 8% after intragastric administration of AFPSiA at 14 mumol kg(-1) and did not decrease further at higher doses.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF