1, 2-Benzisoxazole: A Privileged Structure with a Potential for Polypharmacology

Background: Privileged structures are potentially able to bind to a diverse range of biologically important proteins with high affinities, thus benefiting the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. 1,2-Benxisoxazole derivatives can be such important types of "privileged structures" possessing a rich diversity of biological properties especially in the area of CNS disorders. Methods: This review seeks to explore the most significant examples of 1,2-benzisoxazoles as privileged structures in terms of polypharmacology at the molecular level, specifically focusing on four 1,2-benzisoxazoles (zonisamide, risperidone, paliperidone, and iloperidone) which have been in clinical use and established as effective therapeutics. Furthermore, an updated and detailed account of the pharmacological properties of 1,2-benzisoxazole derivatives as therapeutics for CNS disorders is described. And finally, outlooks on current issues and future directions in this field are also provided. Results: 1,2-Benzisoxazole was successfully employed in the discovery and development of zonisamide for the treatment of epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. 1,2-Benzisoxazole is also a significantly important structure for the development of atypical antipsychotics. Conclusion: It is very reasonable to say that 1,2-benzisoxazole is a good example of a privileged structure because it forms the centerpiece of small molecule chemical entities with a wide range of pharmacological properties, especially in the area of CNS disorders.