Da. Learmonth et al., Synthesis, anticonvulsant properties and pharmacokinetic profile of novel 10,11-dihydro-10-oxo-5H-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide derivatives, EUR J MED C, 36(3), 2001, pp. 227-236
A series of novel derivatives of oxcarbazepine (5), 10,11-dihydro-10-oxo-5H
-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide was synthesised and evaluated for their a
nticonvulsant activity and sodium channel blocking properties. The oxime 8
was found to be the most active compound from this series, displaying great
er potency than its geometric isomer 9 and exhibiting also the highest prot
ective index value. Importantly, the metabolic profile of 8 differs from th
e already established dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide drugs such as 1 and
5 which undergo rapid and complete conversion in vivo to several biological
ly active metabolites. In contrast 8 is metabolised to only a very minor ex
tent leading to the conclusion that the observed anti-convulsant effect is
solely attributable to 8. It is concluded that 8 may be as effective as 1 a
nd 5 at controlling seizures and that the low toxicity and consequently hig
h protective index should provide the compound with an improved side-effect
profile. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.