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| Formula | C19H23N3O3 |
| Molar mass | 341.411 g·mol−1 |
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Coluracetam (INN; development codeBCI-540; formerlyMKC-231) is a purportednootropicagent of theracetam family.[1] It contains a chemical group that is abioisostere of the9-amino-tetrahydroacridine family. It was initially developed and tested by theMitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation forAlzheimer's disease. After the drug failed to reach endpoints in its clinical trials it was in-licensed by BrainCells Inc for investigations intomajor depressive disorder (MDD), which was preceded by being awarded a "Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Program Grant" by the state of California.[2] Findings fromphase IIaclinical trials have suggested that it would be a potential medication forcomorbid MDD withgeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD).[3] BrainCells Inc is currently[when?] out-licensing the drug for this purpose.[4] It may also have potential use in prevention and treatment ofischemicretinopathy andretinal andoptic nerve injury.[medical citation needed]
Coluracetam has been shown to reverse the loss ofcholine acetyltransferase production in themedial septal nucleus of rats exposed tophencyclidine (PCP), and is considered a potential therapeutic drug forschizophrenia.[5]
Coluracetam enhances high-affinitycholineuptake (HACU),[6] which is the rate-limiting step of acetylcholine (ACh)synthesis. Studies have shown coluracetam to improvelearning impairment on a single oral dose given to rats which have been exposed to cholinergicneurotoxins. Subsequent studies have shown that it may induce long-lastingprocognitive effects incholinergic neurotoxin-treated rats by changing thecholine transporter regulation system.[7]
Coluracetam is a schedule 4 substance in Australia under thePoisons Standard (February 2020).[8] A schedule 4 substance is classified as "Prescription Only Medicine, or Prescription Animal Remedy – Substances, the use or supply of which should be by or on the order of persons permitted by State or Territory legislation to prescribe and should be available from a pharmacist on prescription."[8]
