The invention relates to compounds of formula I: ##STR00001##
where a, R.sup.1, and R.sup.3-6 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

The invention relates to compounds of formula I: ##STR00001##
where a, R.sup.1, and R.sup.3-6 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.

In certain embodiments methods are provided for the therapeutic or prophylactic amelioration of one or more symptoms or disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. In various embodiments the methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof, a GABA receptor agonist, in an amount sufficient to ameliorate said one or more symptoms. In certain embodiments methods are provided for the prophylaxis or treatment of type I diabetes and related pathologies that involve the use of GABA or GABA agonists in combination with certain other compounds (e.g., one more antigens (e.g., GAD) that have a therapeutic effect in type I diabetes and/or an anti-CD3 antibody, an anti-CD20 antibody, exendin-4, and/or or a pro-insulin therapeutic).

In certain embodiments methods are provided for the therapeutic or prophylactic amelioration of one or more symptoms or disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. In various embodiments the methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof, a GABA receptor agonist, in an amount sufficient to ameliorate said one or more symptoms. In certain embodiments methods are provided for the prophylaxis or treatment of type I diabetes and related pathologies that involve the use of GABA or GABA agonists in combination with certain other compounds (e.g., one more antigens (e.g., GAD) that have a therapeutic effect in type I diabetes and/or an anti-CD3 antibody, an anti-CD20 antibody, exendin-4, and/or or a pro-insulin therapeutic).

In certain embodiments methods are provided for the therapeutic or prophylactic amelioration of one or more symptoms or disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. In various embodiments the methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof, a GABA receptor agonist, in an amount sufficient to ameliorate said one or more symptoms. In certain embodiments methods are provided for the prophylaxis or treatment of type I diabetes and related pathologies that involve the use of GABA or GABA agonists in combination with certain other compounds (e.g., one more antigens (e.g., GAD) that have a therapeutic effect in type I diabetes and/or an anti-CD3 antibody, an anti-CD20 antibody, exendin-4, and/or or a pro-insulin therapeutic).

In some embodiments provided herein is a method of treating a coagulopathy in a subject, the method including administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition including platelets or platelet derivatives and an incubating agent including one or more salts, a buffer, optionally a cryoprotectant, and optionally an organic solvent, wherein the subject has been treated or is being treated with an antiplatelet agent.

In some embodiments provided herein is a method of treating a coagulopathy in a subject, the method including administering to the subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition including platelets or platelet derivatives and an incubating agent including one or more salts, a buffer, optionally a cryoprotectant, and optionally an organic solvent, wherein the subject has been treated or is being treated with an antiplatelet agent.

Described herein are methods of administering the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug norketotifen, an isomer, an isomeric mixture, a prodrug, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the treatment of a respiratory disorders such as COPD and asthma to human patient in need of such treatment, without exposing said patient to adverse immune-suppressive effects. Methods include treating acute and potentially life-threatening exacerbations of COPD and asthma with norketotifen.

Described herein are methods of administering the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug norketotifen, an isomer, an isomeric mixture, a prodrug, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the treatment of a respiratory disorders such as COPD and asthma to human patient in need of such treatment, without exposing said patient to adverse immune-suppressive effects. Methods include treating acute and potentially life-threatening exacerbations of COPD and asthma with norketotifen.

The present disclosure is directed to methods for treating diseases for which cysteamine is indicated and compounds useful in such methods.