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Dexanabinol: a novel cannabinoid with neuroprotective properties
1University of Otago Medical School, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dunedin, New Zealand. cynthia.darlington@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Idrugs : the Investigational Drugs Journal
|October 10, 2003
Summary
Dexanabinol, a novel neuroprotectant, acts as an uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. It shows therapeutic potential for conditions like severe head injury without psychotropic side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dexanabinol is a synthetic analog of tetrahydrocannabinol.
- It functions as a weak, uncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate dexanabinol as a neuroprotective agent.
- To assess its efficacy and safety in preclinical models and human trials.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical animal models of hypoxemia/ischemia, neurotoxin exposure, and nerve crush were utilized.
- Human clinical trials, including Phase III for severe head injury, are ongoing.
Main Results:
- Dexanabinol demonstrated neuroprotection in various animal models.
- It does not produce psychotropic effects and is well-tolerated in humans, similar to memantine.
Conclusions:
- Dexanabinol offers therapeutic benefits of uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonism.
- It presents a promising alternative to earlier drugs with adverse side effects.