The search for an improved
clozapine-like compound has resulted in the selection of a new molecule:
JL13 (5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-8-chloro-pyrido[2,3-b][1,5] benzoxazepine
fumarate). Like
clozapine,
JL13 did not antagonize
apomorphine-induced stereotypy and did not produce
catalepsy but antagonized
apomorphine-induced climbing in rodents (ID50 = 3.9 mg kg-1 s.c.). It was inactive against
d-amphetamine-induced stereotypy but antagonized
d-amphetamine-induced hyperactivity in the mouse (ID50 = 4.4 mg kg-1 i.p.).
JL13, like
clozapine, was able to antagonize (+/-)-DOI-induced head-twitches in the mouse (ID50 = 2.0 mg kg-1 i.p.). In the open-field test in the rat and forced swimming test in the mouse a high similarity was noted between the two drugs in the same range of doses. In a complex temporal regulation schedule in the dog,
JL13 showed a high resemblance with
clozapine without inducing
sialorrhea, palpebral ptosis or any significant motor side effects. In rats trained to discriminate
clozapine,
JL13 (10 mg kg-1 i.p.) induced a high level of generalization (70%) to
clozapine. In a
drug discrimination procedure in the squirrel monkey,
JL13 (3-10 mg kg-1 i.m.) produced a full substitution of
clozapine. On the basis of these preclinical data, it is thus predicted that
JL13 would be a promising atypical
antipsychotic drug.