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| Drug class | GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator;Anxiolytic |
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| Eliminationhalf-life | 3.4 hours (IV), 7 hours (oral) |
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| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C24H24N2O4 |
| Molar mass | 404.466 g·mol−1 |
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Abecarnil (developmental code nameZK-112,119) is ananxiolyticdrug from theβ-carboline family. It is one of a relatively recently developed class of medicines known as thenonbenzodiazepines, which have similar effects to the olderbenzodiazepine group, but with quite differentchemical structures. It is apartial agonist actingselectively at thebenzodiazepine site of theGABAA receptor.[1]
Abecarnil was originally developed as an anti-anxiety drug, but has not as yet been commercially developed for use in humans. It has mainly been used for research into the development of other newsedative andanxiolytic drugs. Investigations are continuing into its actions, and it is likely to be developed for use in the treatment of anxiety[2] and as a less addictive substitute drug for the treatment of benzodiazepine[3] andalcohol[4]addiction.
Abecarnil is a relatively subtype-selective drug that produces primarily anxiolytic effects, with comparatively fewer sedative ormuscle relaxant properties.[5][6] Additionally, it does not significantly potentiate the effects of alcohol.[7]
Abecarnil may have fewer problems withtolerance and withdrawal compared to nonselectivefull agonist benzodiazepine acting drugs.[8]
The abuse potential of abecarnil is thought to be less than that of benzodiazepines,[9] with only mild withdrawal symptoms noted after abrupt discontinuation of treatment.[10]
Aphotoswitchable analog of abecarnil (azocarnil) has been developed to locally and reversibly controlneuroinhibition with light in wildtype animals.[11]
