Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of ABT-200: a putative novel antidepressant combining potent α-2 antagonism with moderate NE uptake inhibition

Abstract ABT-200, (±)-(1′R*, 3R*)-3-phenyl-1-[(1′,2′,3′,4′-tetrahydro-5′,6′-methylenedioxy-1′-naphthalenyl)methyl]pyrrolidine, ( 1a/b ) represents the first example of a new structural class of potent α-2 antagonists which possess the additional property of norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibition. This profile of combined activities is expected to have utility in the treatment of depression.