Synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and biological profiles of a dihydrobenzoxathiin class of histamine H(3) receptor inverse agonists.

A series of novel dihydrobenzoxathiin derivatives was synthesized and evaluated as potent human histamine H(3) receptor inverse agonists. After systematic modification of lead 1a, the potent and selective histamine H(3) inverse agonist 1-(3-{4-[(2S,3S)-8-methoxy-3-methyl-4,4-dioxido-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzoxathiin-2-yl]phenoxy}propyl)pyrrolidine (5k) was identified. Compound 5k showed good pharmacokinetic profiles and brain penetrability in laboratory animals. After 3mg/kg oral administration of 5k, significant elevation of brain histamine levels was observed in rats where the brain H(3) receptor was fully occupied.