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A series of (arylpiperazinylbutyl)oxindoles as highly potent 5-HT(7) receptor antagonists has been studied for their selectivity toward the 5-HT(1A) receptor and α(1)-adrenoceptor. Several derivatives exhibited high 5-HT(7)/5-HT(1A) selectivity, and the key structural factors for reducing undesired α(1)-adrenergic receptor binding have also been identified. Rapid metabolism, a common problem within this family of compounds, could be circumvented with appropriate substitution patterns on the oxindole carbocycle. Contrary to expectations, none of the compounds produced an antidepressant-like action in the forced swimming test in mice despite sufficiently high brain concentrations. On the other hand, certain analogues showed significant anxiolytic activity in two different animal models: the Vogel conflict drinking test in rats and the light-dark test in mice.

An improved procedure for the manufacture of 4-hydroxy-2methyl-N-(5-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide (meloxicam) is described. The key intermediate of this protocol is the new potassium salt monohydrate of meloxicam, which makes possible the efficient removal of impurities, resulting in an environmentally friendly manufacturing process of the high-purity (>99.90%) drug substance.

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