Novel compounds of structural formula (I) are disclosed. As modulators of
the Cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor, these compounds are useful in the
treatment, prevention and suppression of diseases mediated by the CB1
receptor. As such, compounds of the present invention are useful as in
the treatment, prevention and suppression of psychosis, memory deficits,
cognitive disorders, migraine, neuropathy, neuro-inflammatory disorders
(e.g., multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome and the inflammatory
sequelae of viral encephalitis), cerebral vascular accidents, head
trauma, anxiety disorders, stress, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and
schizophrenia. The compounds are also useful for the treatment of
substance abuse disorders, particularly to opiates, alcohol, and
nicotine. The compounds are also useful for the treatment of obesity or
eating disorders associated with excessive food intake and complications
associated therewith.