5-hydroxytryptamine subtype 6 receptor modulators: a patent survey

Importance of the field: Among the GPCR subclasses that have been discovered to date, 5-HT receptors are especially attractive as key biological targets with enormous clinical importance. In particular, during the last decade, the 5-HT(6) receptor has gained increasing attention due to extensive cellular functions. It has also been suggested that its activity can be mediated by inverse agonists. Areas covered in this review: Summarizing the points listed above, the current review primarily focuses on patent literature within the title field, evolution and trends that have not yet been covered in such depth in other published papers. What the reader will gain: To obtain a clear understanding of the situation and dynamics within the field of 5-HT(6) ligands, having an obvious pharmaceutical potential in terms of related patents, we provide a comprehensive search through several key patent collections. We have covered promising small molecule compounds which are being evaluated in different clinical trials as well as drugs currently available in the pharmaceutical market. In addition, readers will gain a deep insight into the patent specification, geographic distribution, tendency and patent holders presented. Take home message: Several of 5-HT(6)-targeted compounds are reasonably regarded as powerful drug candidates for the treatment of a range of neuropathological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.