5-phenoxyalkoxypsoralens and methods for selective inhibition of the voltage gated Kv1.3 potassium channel

A method for treating or preventing, in a human or animal subject, a disease or disorder that can be treated or prevented by inhibition of potassium channels, said method comprising the step of administering to the subject, in an amount and form that is effective to treat or prevent the disease or disorder, a composition of matter comprising a compound having the formula:

• wherein:
• n is 1 through 10, cyclic or acyclic and optionally substituted or unsubstituted;
• X is O, S, N, C Si or P;
• and
• R1 is aryl, heterocyclyl or cycloalkyl and is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from alkyl, alkoxy, amino and its alkyl derivatives, acylamino, carboxyl and its alkyl ester, cyano, halo, hydroxy, nitro and sulfonamido groups;
• or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative of said compound.