Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of preparation and use thereof are disclosed. The compounds are
amide,
ketone, and ester compounds prepared from certain azabicycloalkane carboxylic acids. The resulting compounds exhibit selectivity for, and bind with high affinity to, neuronal
nicotinic receptors of the α4β2 subtype in the
central nervous system (CNS). The compounds and compositions can be used to treat and / or prevent a wide variety of conditions or disorders, such as those disorders characterized by dysfunction of nicotinic
cholinergic neurotransmission, including disorders involving
neuromodulation of
neurotransmitter release, such as
dopamine release. CNS disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal
neurotransmitter release, are another example of disorders that can be treated and / or prevented. The compounds can: (i) alter the number of nicotinic
cholinergic receptors of the brain of the patient, (ii) exhibit neuroprotective effects, and (iii) when employed in effective amounts, not result in appreciable adverse side effects (e.g. side effects such as significant increases in
blood pressure and
heart rate, significant negative effects upon the
gastrointestinal tract, and significant effects upon
skeletal muscle).