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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
Published on: October 29, 2012
Varenicline: an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist for smoking cessation
Jotham W Coe1, Paige R Brooks, Michael G Vetelino
1Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA. jwcoe@pfizer.com
Abstract:
Herein we describe a novel series of compounds from which varenicline (1, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6,10-methano-6H-pyrazino[2,3-h][3]benzazepine) has been identified for smoking cessation. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate the dependence-producing effects of nicotine. We have pursued alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonists to inhibit dopaminergic activation produced by smoking while simultaneously providing relief from the craving and withdrawal syndrome that accompanies cessation attempts. Varenicline displays high alpha4beta2 nAChR affinity and the desired in vivo dopaminergic profile.
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