The present invention relates to 3-substituted-2-(arylalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes, methods of preparing the compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds. The azabicycloalkanes generally are azabicycloheptanes, azabicyclooctanes, or azabicyclononanes. The
aryl group in the arylalkyl
moiety is a 5- or 6-membered ring heteroaromatic, preferably 3-pyridinyl and 5-pyrimidinyl moieties, and the
alkyl group is typically a C1-4
alkyl. The
substituent at the 3-position of the 1 -azabicycloalkane is a
carbonyl group-containing
moiety, such as an
amide,
carbamate,
urea,
thioamide,
thiocarbamate,
thiourea or similar functionality. The compounds exhibit activity at nicotinic
acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), particularly the α7 nAChR subtype, and are useful towards modulating
neurotransmission and the release of ligands involved in
neurotransmission. Methods for preventing or treating conditions and disorders, including
central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal
neurotransmission, are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating
inflammation, autoimmune disorders, pain and excess
neovascularization, such as that associated with
tumor growth.