| abstract |
The present invention relates to novel benzyl(idene)-lactam derivatives, compounds of the formula (I) wherein R1 is a group of the formula G1 or G2 depicted below, wherein R1, R3, R6, R13, X, a, n and m are as defined herein, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and pharmaceutical compositions which include selective antagonists, inverse agonists and partial agonists of serotonin 1 (5-HT1) receptors, specifically, of one or both of the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors. The compounds of the invention are useful in treating or preventing depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other disorders for which a 5-HT1 agonist or antagonist is indicated and have reduced potential for cardiac side effects, in particular QTc prolongation. |