The invention provides compounds of formula:
which have a tacrine moiety connected to an heterocyclic moiety through a linker. Through careful selection of the substituents and the linker, the activity and selectivity towards acetylcholinesterase can be modulated. The compounds show potent AChE inhibition activities together with modifications in the β-amyloid aggregation properties by binding simultaneously to the catalytic and peripheral AChE sites. They are useful in the treatment of AChE mediated diseases, such as the Alzheimer's disease.
Controlled-release galantamine formulations, including controlled-release particles, pellets, granules, and spheres are described. Controlled-release particles, pellets, granules, and spheres with immediate release top-coat are also described. Method of preparing such formulations and method of treating a variety of disorders are also disclosed.