A novel potential therapeutic avenue for autism: Design, synthesis and pharmacophore generation of SSRIs with dual action

Autism symptoms are currently modulated by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs slow onset of action limits their efficiency. The established synergistic activity of SSRIs and 5HT1B/1D autoreceptors antagonists motivated us to incorporate SSRIs and 5HT1B/1D antagonists in one ‘hybrid’ molecule. A library of virtual ‘hybrid’ molecules was designed using the tethering technique. A pharmacophore model was generated derived from 16 structurally diverse SSRIs (Ki = 0.013–5000 nM) and used as 3D query. Compounds with fit values (⩾2) were chosen for synthesis and subsequent in vitro biological evaluation. Our pharmacophore model is a promising milestone to a class of SSRIs with dual action.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide