Method for treating anxiety

Abstract

The present invention relates a method for treating anxiety using azacyclic and azabicyclic oxadiazole compounds.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/006,584, filed Nov. 13, 1995.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for using azacyclic or azabicyclic compounds for treating anxiety in a human.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Extensive research has been conducted for a number of years directed toward the development of compounds capable of treating anxiety in humans that are safer to the user and which exhibit fewer side-effects. For example, several clinically established anxiolytic agents such as the barbituates, meprobamate and the benzodiazepines have numerous side effects such as potential for abuse and addiction or potentiation of the effects of ethanol. The mechanism of action of these compounds is believed to involve the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex in humans.

Buspirone is another compound which has been studied for the treatment of anxiety. The literature states that Buspirone interacts with reasonable potency only at the 5-HT.sub.1A and dopamine receptors. Alfred Goodman, et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8:482 (1990); Tompkins et al. Research Communications in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Behavior, 5:4, p. 338 (1980).

The art has reported that compounds which act as agonists of the cholinergic muscarinic receptor can actually produce anxiety. See, Risch et al. Psychopharmacol. Bull., 19: 696-698 (1983), Nurnberger et al. Psychiatry Res., 9:191-200 (1983), and Nurnberger et al. Psychopharmacol. Bull., 17:80-82 (1982).

Surprisingly, we have discovered that a group of compounds having muscarinic cholinergic activity can be useful for treating anxiety. The present invention relates to a method of treating anxiety. More specifically, the invention provides a method of treating anxiety in humans using a specified tetrahydropyridine or azabicyclic oxadiazole or thiadiazole compound. The activity of these compounds is believed to be based on agonist action at the m-1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for treating anxiety in humans comprising administering to a human in need thereof, an antianxiety dose of a compound of ##STR1## wherein W is oxygen or sulphur;

R is hydrogen, amino, halogen, NHR.sup.6, NR.sup.6 R.sup.7, R.sup.4, --OR.sup.4, --SR.sup.4, --SOR.sup.4, --SO.sub.2 R.sup.4, C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl) wherein R.sup.4 is C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl, each of which is optionally substituted with one or more halogen(s), --CF.sub.3, --CN, Y, phenyl or phenoxy wherein phenyl or phenoxy is optionally substituted with halogen, --CN, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.1-4 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 or --CSNH.sub.2 ; or R is phenyl or benzyloxycarbonyl, each of which is optionally substituted with halogen, --CN, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.1-4 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 or --CSNH.sub.2 ; or R is --OR.sup.5 Y, --SR.sup.5 Y, OR.sup.5 --Z--Y, --SR.sup.5 ZY, --Q--R.sup.5 --1Z--R.sup.4 or --S--R.sup.5 --Z--R.sup.4 wherein Z is oxygen or sulphur, R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-5 -alkyl, C.sub.1-15 -alkenyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl, and Y is a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic group; and G is selected from one of the following azacyclic or azabicyclic ring systems: ##STR2## or G can optionally be substituted C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 -alkyl wherein the substitution is --NR.sup.6 R.sup.7 ; R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 independently are hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 -alkyl; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together with the nitrogen atom optionally form a 4- to 6-member ring; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently are hydrogen, C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkenyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkynyl, C.sub.1-10 -alkoxy, C.sub.1-5 -alkyl substituted with --OH, --COR.sup.6', CH.sub.2 --OH, halogen, --NH.sub.2, carboxy, or phenyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 -alkyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkenyl or C.sub.2-5 -alkynyl; R.sup.6 ' is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 -alkyl; n is 0, 1 or 2; m is 0, 1 or 2; p is 0, 1 or 2; q is 1 or 2; r is 0, 1 or 2; is a single or double bond; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

The invention claimed herein further provides a method for treating anxiety wherein the anxiety is selected from the group consisting of Panic Attack; Agoraphobia; Acute Stress Disorder; Specific Phobia; Panic Disorder; Psychoactive Substance Anxiety Disorder; Organic Anxiety Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Anxiety Disorder NOS.

It is to be understood that the invention extends to each of the stereoisomeric forms of the compounds of the present invention as well as the pure diastereomeric, pure enatiomeric, and racemic forms of the compounds of Formula I.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein the term "treating" includes prophylaxis of a physical and/or mental condition or amelioration or elimination of the developed physical and/or mental condition once it has been established or alleviation of the characteristic symptoms of such condition.

The term "antianxiety dose", as used herein, represents an amount of compound necessary to prevent or treat a human susceptible to or suffering from anxiety following administration to such human. The active compounds are effective over a wide dosage range. For example, dosages per day will normally fall within the range of about 0.005 to about 500 mg/kg of body weight. In the treatment of adult humans, the range of about 0.05 to about 100 mg/kg, in single or divided doses, is preferred. However, it will be understood that the amount of the compound actually administered will be determined by a physician, in the light of the relevant circumstances including the condition to be treated, the choice of compound to be administered, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and the chosen route of administration, and therefore the above dosage ranges are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. While the present compounds are preferably administered orally to humans susceptible to or suffering from anxiety, the compounds may also be administered by a variety of other routes such as the transdermal, parenterally, subcutaneous, intranasal, intramuscular and intravenous routes. Such formulations may be designed to provide delayed or controlled release using formulation techniques which are known in the art.

As used herein the term "anxiety" refers to an anxiety disorder. Examples of anxiety disorders which may preferredly be treated using an effective amount of a named compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof include, but are not limited to: Panic Attack; Agoraphobia; Acute Stress Disorder; Specific Phobia; Panic Disorder; Psychoactive Substance Anxiety Disorder; Organic Anxiety Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Anxiety Disorder NOS.

Examples of anxiety disorders which may more preferredly be treated using an effective amount of a named compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof include Panic Attack; Panic Disorder; Psychoactive Substance Anxiety Disorder; Organic Anxiety Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Anxiety Disorder NOS.

Examples of the anxiety disorders which are most preferredly treated using a named compound include Organic Anxiety Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Anxiety Disorder NOS.

The named anxiety disorders have been characterized in the DSM-IV-R. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised, 4th Ed. (1994). The DSM-IV-R was prepared by the Task Force on Nomenclature and Statistics of the American Psychiatric Association, and provides clear descriptions of diagnostic catagories. The skilled artisan will recognize that there are alternative nomenclatures, nosologies, and classification systems for pathologic psychological conditions and that these systems evolve with medical scientific progress.

The compounds employed in the invention are not believed to act via the GABA/benzodiazepine, 5HT1A, or D1 receptor systems in humans. Rather, the activity of the present compounds as antianxiety agents is believed to be based upon modulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors. However, the mechanism by which the present compounds function is not necessarily the mechanism stated supra., and the present invention is not limited by any mode of operation.

As used herein with reference to the G substituent, the --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-pyrazine moiety can be attached at any carbon atom of the azacyclic or azabicyclic ring. Further, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 of the G substituent may be present at any position, including the point of attachment of the --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-oxadiazole or --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-pyrazine moiety.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include inorganic and organic acid addition salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, citrate, lactate, tartrate, oxalate, or similar pharmaceutically-acceptable inorganic or organic acid addition salts, and include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listed in Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 66, 2 (1977) which are known to the skilled artisan. The compounds of this invention may form solvates with standard low molecular weight solvents using methods known to the skilled artisan.

As used herein with reference to the G substituent, the --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-oxadiazole or --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-pyrazine moiety can be attached at any carbon atom of the azacyclic or azabicyclic ring. Further, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 of the G substituent may be present at any position, including the point of attachment of the --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-oxadiazole or --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-pyrazine moiety.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include inorganic and organic acid addition salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, citrate, lactate, tartrate, oxalate, or similar pharmaceutically-acceptable inorganic or organic acid addition salts, and include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listed in Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 66, 2 (1977) which are known to the skilled artisan. The compounds of this invention may form solvates with standard low molecular weight solvents using methods known to the skilled artisan.

As used herein with reference to the G substituent, the numbering shall be as follows: ##STR3##

As used herein the term .alpha. shall refer to a position on the G substituent which is one position away from the N atom of the G substituent. For example, in the following illustration (1E), both positions 2 and 6 are considered .alpha.. The term .gamma. shall refer to the position on the G substituent which is opposite the N atom. For example, in the illustration (1E), position 4 is considered .gamma.. Likewise, .beta. shall refer to the 3 and 5 position in the illustration. ##STR4##

As used herein with reference to the G substituent, the phrase "R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together with the nitrogen atom optionally form a 4- to 6-member ring" means that R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each independently hydrogen,C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; the R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 groups may optionally join to form a 4- to 6-member ring including the nitrogen. For example, optionally joined groups include, but not limited to: ##STR5##

As used herein the phrase "interacting with a muscarinic cholinergic receptor" shall include compounds which block muscarinic cholinergic receptors or modulate such receptors. Likewise, the term "interacting with a nicotinic cholinergic receptor" shall include compounds which block or modulate the receptor. The phrase shall include the effect observed when compounds act as agonists, partial agonists and/or antagonists at a cholinergic receptor.

As used herein, the term "alkoxide metal" means a metal suitable for alkoxide formation. Such alkoxide metals include, but are not limited to, Li.sup.+, K.sup.+, Na.sup.+, Cs.sup.+, and Ca.sup.++. Especially preferred alkoxide metals include Li.sup.+, K.sup.+, and Na.sup.+.

As used herein, the term "halogen" means Cl, Br, F, and I. Especially preferred halogens include Cl, Br, and I.

The terms "C.sub.1 -C.sub.n, alkyl" wherein n' can be from 2 through 15, as used herein, represent a branched or linear alkyl group having from one to the specified number of carbon atoms. Typical C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and the like.

The terms "C.sub.2 -C.sub.n, alkenyl" wherein n' can be from 3 through 10, as used herein, represents an olefinically unsaturated branched or linear group having from 2 to the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one double bond. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl (--CH.sub.2 --CH=CH.sub.2), 1,3-butadienyl, (--CH.dbd.CHCH.dbd.CH.sub.2), 1-butenyl (--CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3), hexenyl, pentenyl, and the like.

The term "C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkynyl" refers to an unsaturated branched or linear group having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms and at least one triple bond. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, and the like.

The terms "halogen(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl" and "halogen(C.sub.2 -C.sub.6)alkenyl" refer to alkyl or alkenyl substituents having one or more independently selected halogen atoms attached at one or more available carbon atoms. These terms include, but are not limited to, chloromethyl, 1-bromoethyl, 2-bromoethyl, 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl, 1,1,2-trifluoroethyl, 1,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethylenyl, 3-bromopropyl, 3-bromo-1-propenyl, 2-bromopropyl, 2-bromo-1-propenyl, 3-chlorobutyl, 3-chloro-2- butenyl, 2,3-dichlorobutyl, 1-chloroethylenyl, 2-chloroethylenyl, 5-fluoro-3-pentenyl, 3-chloro-2-bromo-5-hexenyl, 3-chloro-2-bromobutyl, trichloromethyl, 1,1-dichloroethyl, 1,2-dichloroethyl, 2,2-dichloroethyl, 1,4-dichlorobutyl, 3-bromopentyl, 1,3-dichlorobutyl, 1,1-dichloropropyl, and the like.

The term "C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkanoyl" represents a group of the formula C(O) (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl. Typical C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkanoyl groups include acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, and the like.

The term "(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) amino" refers to a monoalkylamino group. Examples of such groups are methylamino, ethylamino, iso-propylamino, n-propylamino, (n-propyl)amino, (iso-propyl)amino, n-propylamino, t-butylamino, and the like.

The term "C3-C.sub.n cycloalkyl" wherein n=4-8, represents cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl.

The term "substituted(C.sub.5 -C.sub.n') cycloalkyl" refers to a cycloalkyl group as described supra wherein the cycloalkyl group may be substituted with from one to four substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, NO.sub.2, halogen, halogen(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl, halogen(C.sub.2 -C.sub.6)alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkenyl, CO.sub.2 R.sup.20, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) amino, --SR.sup.20, and OR.sup.20 ; wherein R.sup.20 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, and C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl.

The term "C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl-(C.sub.1-3)alkyl" represents an alkyl group substituted at a terminal carbon with a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl group. Typical cycloalkylalkyl groups include cyclohexylethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 3-cyclopentylpropyl, and the like.

The term "C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl" represents an olefinically unsaturated ring having five to eight carbon atoms. Such groups include, but are not limited to, cyclohexyl-1,3-dienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclohexyl-1,4-dienyl, cycloheptyl-1,4-dienyl, cyclooctyl-1,3,5-trienyl and the like.

The term "substituted (C.sub.5 -C.sub.8) cycloalkenyl" refers to a cycloalkenyl group as described supra. wherein the cycloalkenyl group may be substituted with from one to four substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, NO.sub.2, halogen, halogen(C.sub.1-6)alkyl, halogen(C.sub.2 -C.sub.6)alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkenyl, COR.sup.20, C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkanoyl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.16 arylalkyl, CO.sub.2 R.sup.20, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) amino, --SR.sup.20, and --OR.sup.20 Wherein R.sup.20 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl.

The term "C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)alkyl" represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group substituted at a terminal carbon with a C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl group.

As used herein, the phrase "5 or 6 membered heterocyclic group" means a group containing from one to four N, O or S atom(s) or a combination thereof, which heterocyclic group is optionally substituted at carbon or nitrogen atom(s) with C.sub.1-6 -alkyl, --CF.sub.3, phenyl, benzyl or thienyl, or a carbon atom in the heterocyclic group together with an oxygen atom form a carbonyl group, or which heterocyclic group is optionally fused with a phenyl group. The phrase "5 or 6 membered heterocyclic group" includes, but is not limited to, 5-membered heterocycles having one hetero atom (e.g. thiophenes, pyrroles, furans); 5-membered heterocycles having two heteroatoms in 1,2 or 1,3 positions (e.g. oxazoles, pyrazoles, imidazoles, thiazoles, purines); 5-membered heterocycles having three heteroatoms (e.g. triazoles, thiadiazoles); 5-membered heterocycles having 3-heteroatoms; 6-membered heterocycles with one heteroatom (e.g. pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phenanthrine, 5,6-cycloheptenopyridine); 6-membered heterocycles with two heteroatoms (e.g. pyridazines, cinnolines, phthalazines, pyrazines, pyrimidines, quinazolines); 6-membered heterocycles with three heteroatoms (e.g. 1,3,5-triazine); and 6-member heterocycles with four heteroatoms. Particularly preferred are thiophenes, pyridines, and furans.

The term "heteroaryl" refers to a group which is a 5 or 6 membered heterocycle containing one to four N, O, or S atoms or a combination thereof.

As used herein the term "carboxy" refers to a substituent having the common meaning understood by the skilled artisan, wherein the point of attachment may be through the carbon or oxygen atom of the group.

As used herein the term "aryl" means an organic radical derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by the removal of one atom; e.g., phenyl or naphthyl. Most preferably, aryl refers to C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, wherein the aryl ring system, including any alkyl substitutions, comprises from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; e.g., phenyl, 3,3-dimethylphenyl, naphthyl, and the like. The aryl radical may be substituted by one or two C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 straight or branched alkyl. The term "aryl(C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)alkyl" refers to any aryl group which is attached to the parent moiety via the alkyl group.

As used herein the term "malfunctioning of the muscarinic cholinergic system" shall have the meaning accepted by the skilled artisan. Likewise, the term "malfunctioning of the nicotinic cholinergic system" shall have the art recognized meaning. For example the term shall refer to, but is not in any way limited to, conditions such as glaucoma, psychosis, schizophrenia or schizophreniform conditions, depression, sleeping disorders, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. Other such conditions include Alzheimer's Disease and incontinence.

Compounds of this invention may be prepared by the process illustrated in Scheme II ##STR6##

The artisan will recognize that the starting materials for the process of Scheme II are commercially available or can be prepared using methods familiar to the skilled artisan.

Compounds of Formula I wherein R is an R.sup.4 group, can be prepared using methods well known in the art. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,345.

Further, compounds of Formula I may be prepared using the process illustrated in the following Scheme III ##STR7##

As used in Scheme III, Q may be N, O or S; R.sup.24 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, and R.sup.7 ; R.sup.25 is selected from the group consisting of SOR.sup.4 and SO.sub.2 R.sup.4 ; all other meanings are as defined supra.

Additional compounds of Formula I may be prepared using the process illustrated by Scheme IV. ##STR8##

As used in Scheme IV, Hal, W, r, and G are as defined supra. As used in Scheme IV, R.sup.22 and R.sup.23 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7.

When the G substituent contains a secondary nitrogen protected by a protecting group, the protecting group may be removed using standard methods known to the skilled artisan. An especially preferred protecting group is carbamate. One particularly useful reference concerning protecting groups is Greene, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981).

The pharmacological properties of the compounds of the invention can be illustrated by determining their capability to inhibit the specific binding of .sup.3 H-Oxotremorine-M (.sup.3 H-Oxo). Birdsdall N. J. M., Hulme E. C., and Burgen A. S. V. (1980). "The Character of Muscarinic Receptors in Different Regions of the Rat Brain". Proc. Roy. Soc. London (Series B) 207,1.

.sup.3 H-Oxo labels muscarinic receptor in the CNS (with a preference for agonist domains of the receptors). Three different sites are labeled by .sup.3 H-Oxo. These sites have affinity of 1.8, 20 and 3000 nM, respectively. Using the present experimental conditions only the high and medium affinity sites are determined.

The inhibitory effects of compounds on .sup.3 H-oxo binding reflects the affinity for muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

All preparations are performed at 0.degree.-4.degree. C. unless otherwise indicated. Fresh cortex (0.1-1 g) from male Wistar rats (150-250 g) is homogenized for 5-10 s in 10 mL 20 nM Hepes pH: 7.4, with an Ultra-Turrax homogenizer. The homogenizer is rinsed with 10 mL of buffer and the combined suspension centrifuged for 15 min. at 40,000.times.g. The pellet is washed three times with buffer. In each step the pellet is homogenized as before in 2.times.10 mL of buffer and centrifuged for 10 min. at 40,000.times.g.

The final pellet is homogenized in 20 nM Hepes pH: 7.4 (100 mL per g of original tissue) and used for binding assay. Aliquots of 0.5 mL is added 25 .mu.L of test solution and 25 .mu.L of .sup.3 H-Oxotremorine (1.0 nM, final concentration) mixed and incubated for 30 min. at 25.degree. C. Non-specific binding is determined in triplicate using arecoline (1 .mu.g/mL, final concentration) as the test substance. After incubation samples are added 5 mL of ice-cold buffer and poured directly onto Whatman GF/C glass fiber filters under suction and immediately washed 2 times with 5 mL of ice-cold buffer. The amount of radioactivity on the filters are determined by conventional liquid scintillation counting. Specific binding is total binding minus non specific binding.

Test substances are dissolved in 10 mL water (if necessary heated on a steam-bath for less than 5 min.) at a concentration of 2.2 mg/mL. 25-75% inhibition of specific binding must be obtained before calculation of IC.sub.50. The test value will be given as IC.sub.50 (the concentration (nM) of the test substance which inhibits the specific binding of .sup.3 H-oxo by 50%). IC.sub.50 =(applied test substance concentration) x(C.sub.x /C.sub.o -C.sub.x)nM where C.sub.o is specific binding in control assays and C.sub.x is the specific binding in the test assay. (The calculations assume normal mass-action kinetics).

Furthermore the pharmacological properties of the compounds of the invention can also be illustrated by determining their capability to inhibit .sup.3 HPRZ (pirenzepine, �N-methyl-.sup.3 H!) binding to rat cerebral cortex membranes.

Pirenzepine binds selectively to subtype of muscarinic receptors. Historically the type is named the M.sub.1 -site, whereas pirenzepine sensitive site would be more appropriate. Although selective for M.sub.1 -sites pirenzepine also interact with M.sub.2 -sites.

All preparations are performed at 0.degree.-4.degree. C. unless otherwise indicated. Fresh cortex (0.1-1 9) from male Wistar rats (150-200 g) is homogenized for 5-10 s in 10 mL 20 mM Hepes pH: 7.4, with an Ultra-Turrax homogenizer. The homogenizer is rinsed with 2.times.10 mL of buffer and the combined suspension centrifuged for 15 min. at 40,000.times.g. The pellet is washed three times with buffer. In each step the pellet is homogenized as before in 3.times.10 mL of buffer and centrifuged for 10 min. at 40,000.times.g.

The final pellet is homogenized in 20 mM Hepes pH: 7.4 (100 mL per g of original tissue) and used for binding assay. Aliquots of 0.5 mL is added 20 .mu.L of test solution and 25 .mu.L of .sup.3 HPRZ (1.0 nM, final conc.), mixed and incubated for 60 min. at 20.degree. C. Non-specific binding is determined in triplicate using atropine (1.0 .mu.g/mL, final conc.) as the test substance. After incubation samples are added 5 mL of ice-cold buffer and poured directly onto Whatman GF/C glass fiber filters under suction and immediately washed 2 times with 5 mL of ice-cold buffer. The amount of radioactivity on the filters are determined by conventional liquid scintillation counting. Specific binding is total binding minus non-specific binding.

Test substances are dissolved in 10 mL water, at a concentration of 0.22 mg/mL. 25-75% inhibition of specific binding must be obtained before calculation of IC.sub.50.

The test value will be given as IC.sub.50 (the concentration (nM) of the test substance which inhibits the specific binding of .sup.3 HPRZ by 50%). IC.sub.50 =(applied test substance concentration) x(C.sub.x /C.sub.o -C.sub.x)nM where C.sub.o is specific binding in control assays and C.sub.x is the specific binding in the test assay. (The calculations assume normal mass-action kinetics).

Test results obtained by testing some compounds of the present invention will appear from the following table 1.

TABLE 1______________________________________ .sup.3 H-Oxo-M .sup.3 HPRZCompound IC.sub.50, nM IC.sub.50,nM______________________________________1 81 562 374 2533 19.3 14.56 2.5 0.94 25 215 40 327 16 6.78 1040 >10009 36 3010 354 22311 56 5312 25 1313 74 4214 26 2115 14 1316 39 2317 17 4.518 21 5.419 121 10820 245 24621 26 12322 140 52______________________________________ Oxo-M PirCompound No. IC-50, nM IC-50, nM______________________________________23 4.9 2.724 2.2 0.5425 180 68026 >1000 >100027 >1000 >100028 >10,000 571029 1.7 0.6830 4.4 0.8241 3.2 1.642 9.1 4.843 8.1 2.231 3.4 1.732 3.9 4.033 1.5 0.734 2.0 0.6635 3.2 0.5436 0.34 5.837 1.3 0.7638 6.2 3.339 10 8040 60 17______________________________________

The following Examples are studies to establish the usefulness of the named compounds for treating anxiety.

EXAMPLE 1

Punished Responding

The antianxiety activity of the compounds employed in the method of the present invention is established by demonstrating that the compounds increase punished responding. This procedure has been used to establish antianxiety activity in clinically established compounds.

According to this procedure, the responding of rats or pigeons is maintained by a multiple schedule of food presentation. In one component of the schedule, responding produces food pellet presentation only. In a second component, responding produces both food pellet presentation and is also punished by presentation of a brief electric shock. Each component of the multiple schedule is approximately 4 minutes in duration, and the shock duration is approximately 0.3 seconds. The shock intensity is adjusted for each individual animal so that the rate of punished responding is approximately 15 to 30% of the rate in the unpunished component of the multiple schedule. Sessions are conducted each weekday and are approximately 60 min in duration. Vehicle or a dose of compound are administered 30 min to 6 hr before the start of the test session by the subcutaneous or oral route. Compound effects for each dose for each animal are calculated as a percent of the vehicle control data for that animal. The data are expressed as the mean .+-. the standard error of the mean.

EXAMPLE 2

Monkey Taming Model

Further, the antianxiety activity of the compounds is established by demonstrating that the compounds are effective in the monkey taming model. Plotnikoff Res. Comm. Chem. Path. & Pharmacol., 5: 128-134 (1973) described the response of rhesus monkeys to pole prodding as a method of evaluating the antiaggressive activity of a test compound. In this method, the antiaggressive activity of a compound was considered to be indicative of its antianxiety activity. Hypoactivity and ataxia were considered to be indicative of a sedative component of the compound. The present study is designed to measure the pole prod response-inhibition induced by a compound of this invention in comparison with that of a standard antianxiety compound such as diazepam as a measure of antiaggressive potential, and to obtain an indication of the duration of action of the compound.

Male and female rhesus, cynomologous or squirrel monkeys, selected for their aggressiveness toward a pole, are housed individually in a primate colony room. Compounds or appropriate vehicle are administered orally or subcutaneously and the animals are observed by a trained observer at varying times after drug administration. A minimum of three days (usually a week or more) elapses between treatments. Treatments are assigned in random fashion except that no monkey receives the same compound two times consecutively.

Aggressiveness and motor impairment are graded by response to a pole being introduced into the cage as described in Table 1. The individuals responsible for grading the responses are unaware of the dose levels received by the monkeys.

TABLE 1______________________________________Grading of Monkey Response to Pole IntroductionResponse Grade Description______________________________________Attack 2 Monkey immediately grabbed and/or bit pole as it was placed at opening in cage. 1 Monkey grabbed and/or bit pole only after the tip was extended into the cage 12 inches or more. 0 No grabbing or biting observed.Pole Push 2 Monkey grabbed the pole to attack it or push it away. 1 Monkey touched the pole only in attempting to avoid it or rode on the pole (avoidance). 0 No pushing, grabbing or riding ofBiting 2 Monkey bit aggressively and frequently. 1 Monkey bit weakly or infrequently 0 No biting observed.Ataxia 2 Monkey exhibited a marked loss of coordination. 1 Slight loss of coordination 0 No effects on coordination observed.Hypoactivity 2 Marked: Monkey was observed in a prone position. May or may not have responded by rising and moving away when experimenter approached. 1 Slight: Monkey did not retreat as readily when experimenter approached 0 None.Antiaggression + Dose of drug was active in decreasingActivity of global assessment of aggressivebehaviorDrug Dose - Dose of drug was not active in decreasing aggressive behavior______________________________________

EXAMPLE 3

Human Clinical Trials

Finally, the antianxiety activity of the named compounds can be demonstrated by human clinical trials. The study was designed as a double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. The patients are randomized into four groups, placebo and 25, 50, and 75 mg tid of test compound. The dosages are administered orally with food. Patients are observed at four visits to provide baseline measurements. Visits 5-33 served as the treatment phase for the study.

During the visits, patients and their caregivers are questioned and observed for signs of agitation, mood swings, vocal outbursts, suspiciousness, and fearfulness. Each of these behaviors are indicative of the effect of the test compound on an anxiety disorder.

For example, one study provided the following results: ______________________________________ Placebo 25 mg 50 mg 75 mgBehavioral (N = 87) (N = 85) (N = 83) (N = 87)Event n (%) n (%) n (%) n (%) p-Value______________________________________Agitation 40 (46) 34 (40) 24 (29) 20 (23) .006Mood swings 40 (46) 25 (29) 21 (25) 28 (32) .025Vocal 33 (38) 29 (34) 24 (29) 11 (13) .001OutburstsSuspiciousness 32 (37) 23 (27) 26 (31) 7 (8) <.001Fearfulness 25 (29) 28 (33) 19 (23) 13 (15) .038______________________________________

Treatment groups are compared with respect to the number and percent of patients who ever had the symptom during the double-blind portion of the study (visits 5 through 33), at a severity that was worse than during the baseline visits (1 through 4).

Some examples of compounds contemplated for use in treating anxiety include, but are not limited to: (+/-)-3-butylthio-4-(azabicyclo�2.2.2!octyl-3-oxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, (+/-)-3-(2-butyloxy)-4-�(+/-)-3-azabicyclo�2.2.2!octyloxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, (+/-)-3-butyloxy-4-�endo-(+/-)-6-�1-azabicyclo�3.2.l!octyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-(2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptaflurorobutyloxy)-4-�(+/-)-3-(1-azabicyclo�2.2.2!octyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-methoxy-4-(1-azabicyclo�2.2.2!octyl-3-oxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-pentylthio-4-(1-azabicyclo�2.2.2!ocytl-3-oxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, trans-3-butyloxy-4-(2-dimethylaminocyclopentyloxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-butylthio-4-(3-azetidinyloxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-(3-N-(2-thiazolidonyl)propylthio)-4-(1-azabicyclo�2.2.2!octyl-3-oxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-chloro-4-(1-azabicyclo�3.2.1!octyl-6-oxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-(2-2-thio-5-trifluoromethylthienyl)ethylthio)-4-azabicyclo�2.2.2!octyl-3-oxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-butylthio-4-�3-.+-.-endo-(1-azabicyclo�2.2.l!heptyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-hexyloxy-4-�6-.+-.-endo-(2-azabicyclo�2.2.2!ocyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole,3-(4,4,4-trifluorobutylthio)-4-�2-.+-.-exo-(7-azabicyclo�2.2.1!heptyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-(2-phenoxyethylthio)-4-�3-.+-.-endo-(1-azabicyclo�3.2.1!octyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-(5-hexenyloxy)-4-�7-.+-.-endo-(2-azabicyclo�2.2.1!heptyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole, 3-butyl-4-�5-(1-azabicyclo�3.2.1!octyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole, and 3-cyclobutylmethyl-4-�2-.+-.-endo-(8-azabicyclo�3.2.1!octyloxy)!-1,2,5-oxadiazole.

The route of administration may be any route, which effectively transports the active compound to the appropriate or desired site of action, such as oral or parenteral e.g. rectal, transdermal, depot, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular or intranasal, the oral route being preferred.

Typical compositions include a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, associated with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient which may be a carrier, or a diluent or be diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper, or other container. In making the compositions, conventional techniques for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions may be used. For example, the active compound will usually be mixed with a carrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which may be in the form of a ampoule, capsule, sachet, paper, or other container. When the carrier serves as a diluent, it may be solid, semi-solid, or liquid material which acts as a vehicle, excipient, or medium for the active compound. The active compound can be adsorbed on a granular solid container for example in a sachet. Some examples of suitable carriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, gelatine, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The formulations may also include wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents, sweetening agents, or flavoring agents. The formulations of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained, or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures well known in the art.

The pharmaceutical preparations can be sterilized and mixed, if desired, with auxiliary agents, emulsifiers, salt for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers and/or coloring substances and the like, which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds.

For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable solutions or suspensions, preferably aqueous solutions with the active compound dissolved in polyhydroxylated castor oil.

Tablets, dragees, or capsules having talc and/or a carbohydrate carrier or binder or the like are particularly suitable for oral application. Preferable carriers for tablets, dragees, or capsules include lactose, corn starch, and/or potato starch. A syrup or elixir can be used in cases where a sweetened vehicle can be employed.

Generally, the compounds are dispensed in unit form comprising from about 0.1 to about 100 mg in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier per unit dosage.

Some prefered characteristics of compounds for the treatment of anxiety are:

A) W is S;

B) r is 1 or 2;

C) G is selected from het-1 and het-5;

D) G is unsaturated;

E) G is het-4;

F) G is an azabicycle having 7 ring carbon atoms and a nitrogen atom;

G) G is het-6;

H) r is 0;

I) R is selected from halogen, --OR.sup.5 Y, --SR.sup.5 Y, --OR.sup.5 ZY, --SR.sup.5 ZY, --OR.sup.5 ZR.sup.4, --SR.sup.5 ZR.sup.4, --OR.sup.4, and --SR.sup.4 ;

J) W is O;

K) m is 1;

L) n is 1;

M) p is 2;

N) G is het-3

O) G is het-2

P) a compound of Formula I

Q) a compound of Formula I'

R) a compound of Formula I

wherein W is oxygen or sulphur; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, amino, halogen, NHR.sup.6, NR.sup.6 R.sup.7, R.sup.4, --OR.sup.4, --SR.sup.4, --SOR.sup.4, --SO.sub.2 R.sup.4, C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl); R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C2-15-alkenyl, and C2-15-alkynyl, each of which is optionally substituted with one or more independently selected from the group consisting of halogen(s), --CF.sub.3, --CN, Y, phenyl and phenoxy wherein phenyl or phenoxy is optionally substituted with one or more selected from the group consisting of halogen, --CN, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.1-4 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 and --CSNH.sub.2 ; or R is phenyl or benzyloxycarbonyl, each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, --CN, C.sub.14 -alkyl, C.sub.1-4 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 and --CSNH.sub.2 ; or R is selected from the group consisting of --OR.sup.5 Y, --SR.sup.5 Y, OR.sup.5 --Z--Y, --SR.sup.5 ZY, --O--R.sup.5 --Z--R.sup.4 and --S--R.sup.5 --Z--R.sup.4 ; Z is oxygen or sulphur; R.sup.5 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, and C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl; Y is a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic group; and G is selected from one of the following azacyclic or azabicyclic ring systems: ##STR9## or G can optionally be substituted C.sub.3-8 cycloalkyl wherein the substitution is --NR.sup.6 R.sup.7 ; R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 independently are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-6 -alkyl; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together with the nitrogen atom optionally form a 4- to 6-member ring; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkenyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkynyl, C.sub.1-10 -alkoxy, and C.sub.1-5 -alkyl substituted with a subsituent independently selected from the group consisting of --OH, --COR.sup.6', CH.sub.2 --OH, halogen, --NH.sub.2, carboxy, and phenyl; R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 -alkyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkenyl and C.sub.2-5 -alkynyl; R.sup.6' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-6 -alkyl; n is 0, 1 or 2; m is 0, 1 or 2; p is 0, 1 or 2; q is 1 or 2; r is 0, 1 or 2; is a single or double bond; provided that when W is O and G is a saturated azabicyclic group having from 7 to 11 ring carbon atoms and a nitrogen atom wherein the nitrogen atom is separated from the W atom by 2 to 3 ring carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof;

S) The G substituent is selected from the group consisting of ##STR10##

U) R is selected from the group consisting of --SR.sup.4', SOR.sup.4', --SO.sub.2 R.sup.4', substituted benzyloxycarbonyl wherein the substituents are one or more independently selected from the group consisting of --CN, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 and --CSNH.sub.2 ; or C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl).

V) R is selected from the group consisting of R.sup.4, C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl); and R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of substituted C.sub.5-15 -alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, and optionally substituted C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl, wherein such substituent is one or more independently selected from the group consisting of halogen(s), --CF.sub.3, --CN, Y, phenyl and phenoxy; wherein phenyl or phenoxy is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, --CN, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.14 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 and --CSNH.sub.2.

W) G is selected from the group consisting of het-4, het-7, het-6 wherein n=2; het-3 wherein one of n and m is 0 or 2; and het-3 wherein the I or I' group is attached at the bridgehead of het-3.

Especially preferred compounds of this invention have the characteristics of A-F,P; A-F,Q; characteristics of A, G, H, M, F; characteristics of G-O,Q; or the characteristics of G-J,M,P; or G-J,M,Q. The characteristics of R and S may be particularly preferred.

Further, especially preferred R groups include phenyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, --OR.sup.5 Y, --SR.sup.5 Y, OR.sup.5 --Z--Y, --SR.sup.5 ZY, --O--R.sup.4 --Z--R.sup.5 or --S--R.sup.4 --Z--R.sup.5, --SOR.sup.4, C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl) wherein Z is oxygen or sulphur, R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl, Y is a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic group containing one to four N, O or S atom(s) or a combination thereof, R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C2-15-alkenyl, and C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl.

Further, especially preferred G groups include the following heterocycles: ##STR11## wherein the point of attachment to the --(CH.sub.2).sub.r --W-- group is as indicated

Some particularly preferred G groups include ##STR12## It is another preferred embodiment of this invention that G is not an azabicycle, particularly when W is oxygen.

Additionally, another embodiment of this invention which can be preferred is that when W is O and C is alkyl, R is not halogen.

The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the following examples. The examples are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLE 1

(+/-)-3-Butyloxy-4-(1-azabicyclo 2.2.2!octyl-3-oxy) -1,2,5-oxadiazole

A suspension of 3,4-diphenylsulfonyl-1,2,5-oxadiazole oxide (4.6 g, 0.126 mol, Ref. J.Chem. Soc. 1964, 904.) in 1-butanol (400 mL) was heated to 55.degree.-60.degree. C. as a solution of sodium 1-butyloxide (0.3 g Na, 40 mL 1-butanol) was added dropwise. After 1 h, the solvent was evaporated, residue was treated with H.sub.2 O, and the mixture extracted with ether (3X). The extracts were washed with H.sub.2 O, dried, and the solvent evaporated to give a white solid (3.15 g). The solid was heated to reflux overnight in P(OCH.sub.3).sub.3 (30 mL) then poured into ice-H.sub.2 O containing HCl (6 mL, 5N). The mixture was extracted with ether, the extracts washed with brine, dried, and the solvent evaporated to give a yellow liquid. Radial chromatography (15% EtOAc/hexane) gave a clear liquid (1.85 g). The liquid was dissolved in THF (30 mL) and added dropwise to a mixture prepared from 1-azabicyclo�2.2.2!octan-3-ol(1.85 g 0.014 mol), THF (20 mL), and 1.6M n-butyl lithium in hexane (8.4 mL, 0.013 mol). The reaction was then warmed to 52.degree. C. for 5 h. The cooled reaction was acidified with dilute HCl and diluted wit ether. the aqueous fraction was washed with ether, made basic, and extracted with ether. The extracts were dried and evaporated to give a clear liquid. The HCl salt (1.4 g) crystallized from CHCl.sub.3 -EtOAc-ether, m.p. 186.degree.-188.degree. C. (Compound 1).

Claims

1. A method for treating anxiety in a human comprising administering an antianxiety dosage of a compound of Formula I or the quaternized form thereof: ##STR13## wherein W is oxygen or sulphur;

R is hydrogen, amino, halogen, NHR.sup.6, R.sup.4, --OR.sup.4, --SR.sup.4, --SOR.sup.4, --SO.sub.2 R.sup.4, C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --OR.sup.5 Y, --SR.sup.5 Y, OR.sup.5 --Z--Y, --SR.sup.5 ZY, --O--R.sup.5 --Z--R.sup.4, --S--R.sup.5 --Z--R.sup.4 ; or phenyl or

benzyloxycarbonyl, each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, --CN, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.1-4 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 and --CSNH.sub.2 ;

R.sup.4 is C.sub.1-15 -alkyl, C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, or C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl, each of which is optionally substituted with one or more independently selected halo, --CF.sub.3, --CN, Y, phenyl or phenoxy substituents, wherein the phenyl or phenoxy may also have halo, --CN, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.1-4 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 or -CSNH.sub.2 substituents;

Z is oxygen or sulphur;

R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-5 -alkylene, C.sub.2-15 -alkenylene, or C.sub.2-15 -alkynylene;

Y is a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic group; and

G is substituted C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl or substituted C.sub.1-6 -alkyl wherein the substitution is --NR.sup.6 R.sup.7 ; or one of the following azacyclic or azabicyclic ring systems: ##STR14## R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 independently are hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 -alkyl; or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together with the nitrogen atom optionally form a 4- to 6-member ring;

R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently are hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 -alkyl, C2-5-alkenyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkynyl, C.sub.1-10 -alkoxy, or C.sub.1-5 -alkyl substituted with a subsituent independently selected from --OH, --COR.sup.6' CH.sub.2 --OH, halogen, --NH.sub.2, carboxy, or phenyl;

R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-5 -alkyl, C.sub.2-5 -alkenyl or C.sub.2-5 -alkynyl;

R.sup.6' is hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 -alkyl;

m, n, p and r independently are 0, 1 or 2;

q is 1 or 2;

is a single or double bond; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

2. A method of claim 1 wherein W is S.

3. A method of claim 1 wherein W is O; and G is an azacylic or azabicyclic ring system.

4. A method of claim 3 wherein G is an azabicyclic ring.

5. A method of claim 2 wherein r is 1 or 2.

6. A method of claim 1 wherein G is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR15##

7. A method of claim 6 wherein G is selected from the group consisting of ##STR16##

8. A method of claim 1 wherein the compound is (.+-.)-3-Butyloxy-4-(1-azabicyclo�2.2.2!octyl-3-oxy)-1,2,5-oxadiazole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.

9. A method of claim 1 wherein G is selected from the group consisting of het-4, het-7, het-6 wherein n=2; het-3 wherein one of n and m is 0 or 2.

10. A method of claim 9 whererin R is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl).

11. A method of claim 1 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of R.sup.4, --OR.sup.4, SOR.sup.4', --SO.sub.2 R.sup.4', C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl).

12. A method of claim 1 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of R.sup.4, C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl), --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl); and

R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of substituted C.sub.5-15 -alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.2-15 -alkenyl, and optionally substituted C.sub.2-15 -alkynyl, wherein such substituent is one or more independently selected from the group consisting of halogen(s), --CF.sub.3, --CN, Y, phenyl and phenoxy; wherein phenyl or phenoxy is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, --CN, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl, C.sub.1-4 -alkoxy, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 and --CSNH.sub.2.

13. A method of claim 1 wherein R is selected from the group consisting of --SR.sup.4', SOR.sup.4', --SO.sub.2 R.sup.4', substituted benzyloxycarbonyl wherein the substituents are one or more independently selected from the group consisting of --CN, --OCF.sub.3, --CF.sub.3, --CONH.sub.2 and --CSNH.sub.2 ; or C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-12 - (cycloalkylalkyl) , --Z--C.sub.3-10 -cycloalkyl and --Z--C.sub.4-12 -(cycloalkylalkyl).

14. A method of claim 1 wherein G is selected from the group consisting of ##STR17##

15. A method of claim 1 wherein the anxiety is an anxiety disorder.

16. A method of claim 15 wherein the anxiety disorder is selected from the group consisting of Panic Attack; Agoraphobia; Acute Stress Disorder; Specific Phobia; Panic Disorder; Psychoactive Substance Anxiety Disorder; Organic Anxiety Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Anxiety Disorder NOS.

17. A method of claim 16 wherein the anxiety disorder is selected from the group consisting of Panic Attack; Panic Disorder; Psychoactive Substance Anxiety Disorder; Organic Anxiety Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Anxiety Disorder NOS.

18. A method of claim 17 wherein the anxiety disorder is selected from Organic Anxiety Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; and Anxiety Disorder NOS.