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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Discovery and optimization of substituted piperidines as potent, selective, CNS-penetrant alpha4beta2 nicotinic
Brian K Albrecht1, Virginia Berry, Alessandro A Boezio
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen Inc., One Kendall Square, Building 1000, Cambridge, MA, USA. brian.albrecht@constellationpharma.com
Abstract:
The discovery of a series of small molecule alpha4beta2 nAChR potentiators is reported. The structure-activity relationship leads to potent compounds selective against nAChRs including alpha3beta2 and alpha3beta4 and optimized for CNS penetrance. Compounds increased currents through recombinant alpha4beta2 nAChRs, yet did not compete for binding with the orthosteric ligand cytisine. High potency and efficacy on the rat channel combined with good PK properties will allow testing of the alpha4beta2 potentiator mechanism in animal models of disease.
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