| abstract |
A class of benzimidazole derivatives, substituted at the 2-position by a substituted piperazinylmethyl or piperazinylethyl moiety, are antagonists of dopamine receptor subtypes within the brain, having a selective affinity for the dopamine D 4 receptor subtype over other dopamine receptor subtypes, and are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia whilst manifesting fewer side-effects than those associated with classical neuroleptic drugs. |