Zolunicant

Zolunicant (MM-110) is a potent inhibitor against nicotinic α3β4 receptors with an IC50 of 0.90 μM to combat addiction. Zolunicant can decrease the self-administration of several addictive agents including morphine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and ethanol in rat model. Zolunicant can be studied as a potential research for multiple forms of agent abuse. Zolunicant also reveals a potent leishmanicide effect against Leishmania amazonensis.

Zolunicant (18-MC; 0.01-100 μM) shows an inhibitory activity against nicotinic α3β4 receptors with an IC₅₀ of 0.90 μM^[1].
. Zolunicant (18-MCOR; 0-20 μg/ml; 24h) also shows antiamastigote activity against L. amazonensis-infected macrophage^[2].

Zolunicant (18-MC; Intravenous administration; 0-20 μg a day;14 days) decreases morphine self-administration by blocking α3β4 nicotinic receptors in the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway^[3].

References:
[1]. Pace CJ, et al. Novel iboga alkaloid congeners block nicotinic receptors and reduce drug self-administration. European journal of pharmacology. 2004;492(2-3):159-67.
[2]. Delorenzi JC, et al. In vitro activities of iboga alkaloid congeners coronaridine and 18-methoxycoronaridine against Leishmania amazonensis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2002;46(7):2111-5.
[3]. Glick SD, et al. 18-Methoxycoronaridine acts in the medial habenula and/or interpeduncular nucleus to decrease morphine self-administration in rats. European journal of pharmacology. 2006;537(1-3):94-8.