10.1021/jm900888c
The research focuses on the development of potent, selective, and orally efficacious norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs). The purpose of this study was to create a novel series of 1-(3-amino-2-hydroxy-1-phenyl propyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-ones that could selectively inhibit the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) while demonstrating selectivity over the human serotonin (hSERT) and dopamine transporters (hDAT). The researchers synthesized and tested various compounds, leading to the discovery of several potent NRI candidates with low nanomolar hNET potency and excellent selectivity. Notably, compounds 20 and 22 showed similar potency to known NRI drugs like reboxetine and atomoxetine, along with good pharmacokinetic profiles and significant efficacy in reducing tail skin temperature in a telemetric rat model, suggesting potential for treating conditions associated with norepinephrine deficiency, including acute and neuropathic pain.