The present invention relates to 6-phenyl-pyridin-2-ylamine derivatives of the formula
1
wherein R
1
, R
2
, R
3
and R
4
are defined as in the specification, that exhibit activity as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment and prevention of central nervous system and other disorders.
The present invention relates to new pharmaceutical uses for compounds that exhibit activity as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors. Specifically, it relates to the use of NOS inhibitors, particularly selective neuronal NOS (N-NOS) inhibitors: (a) alone or in combination with another active agent for the treatment of psoriasis; (b) in combination with an antiinflammatory agent for the treatment of inflammatory disorders; (c) in combination with a narcotic analgesic (e.g., opiates such as morphine or demerol) for the treatment of pain; (d) alone or in combination with other active agents for the enhancement of cognition; and (e) alone or in combination with other active agents for the treatment of sleep disorders such as apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia.