The potential toxicological liabilities of the M-2 muscarinic antagonist I
were addressed by replacing the methylenedioxyphenyl moiety with a p-methox
yphenyl group, resulting in M-2 selective compounds such as 3. Several halo
genated naphthamide derivatives of 3 were studied in order to improve the p
harmacokinetic profile via blockage of oxidative metabolism. Compound 4 dem
onstrated excellent M2 affinity and selectivity, human microsomal stability
, and oral bioavailability in rodents and primates. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien
ce Ltd. All rights reserved.