ML417 is a selective and brain penetrant D3 dopamine receptor (D3R) agonist, with an EC50 of 38 nM. ML417 potently promotes D3R-mediated β-arrestin translocation, G protein mediated signaling, and pERK phosphorylation with minimal effects on other GPCR-mediated signaling. ML417 exhibits neuroprotection against toxin-induced neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons[1].
[1]. Moritz AE, et al. Discovery, Optimization, and Characterization of ML417: A Novel and Highly Selective D3 Dopamine Receptor Agonist. J Med Chem. 2020;63(10):5526‐5567.