Bisarylamines as potassium channel openers

Compounds, compositions and methods are provided which are useful in the treatment of diseases through the modulation of potassium ion flux through voltage-dependent potassium channels. More particularly, the invention provides bisarylamines, compositions and methods that are useful in the treatment of central or peripheral nervous system disorders (e.g., migraine, ataxia, Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, spasticity, mood disorders, brain tumors, psychotic disorders, myokymia, seizures, epilepsy, hearing and vision loss, Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory loss, learning deficiencies, anxiety and motor neuron diseases) and as neuroprotective agents (e.g., to prevent stroke and the like) by opening potassium channels associated with the onset or recurrence of the indicated conditions.