Tag: MONOGRAPH

  • Fluoxetine

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 70 / 100

    Fluoxetine is the original Prozac, the drug that made SSRIs household vocabulary in the 1990s. It works by blocking the pump that pulls serotonin back into the nerve cell that released it, leaving more of the signal sitting in the gap between brain cells. Eli Lilly synthesized it in 1972; the FDA approved it in 1987. It is unusually long-lived in the body (the active leftover sticks around for over a week), which makes it forgiving of missed doses but also slow to clear if a doctor needs to switch medications. It also blocks the liver enzyme CYP2D6, which matters for drug interactions. Decades of trials in depression, OCD, bulimia, and anxiety have made it one of the most studied psychiatric drugs ever. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

    The first widely prescribed SSRI; a long-acting serotonergic antidepressant and a foundational reference compound for serotonin pharmacology.

    Abstract

    Fluoxetine ((R/S)-N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[(alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]propylamine; CAS 54910-89-3; molecular formula C17H18F3NO; molecular weight 309.33) is a phenoxyphenylpropylamine SSRI synthesized at Eli Lilly in 1972 and approved by the FDA in 1987 as the first commercial SSRI under the trade name Prozac. The compound exhibits high affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT, Ki approximately 1 nM) with comparatively weak activity at the norepinephrine transporter (Ki approximately 240 nM) and the dopamine transporter. Notable for an extraordinarily long elimination half-life (1 to 3 days for the parent compound, 7 to 15 days for the active norfluoxetine metabolite) which renders steady-state achievement slow but mitigates discontinuation syndrome. Pharmacologically distinguished from later SSRIs by 5-HT2C antagonism that contributes to noradrenergic and dopaminergic disinhibition in the prefrontal cortex, partially explaining the activating subjective profile. Hepatic metabolism is via CYP2D6 (primary) and CYP3A4 (secondary); the compound is itself a potent CYP2D6 inhibitor, producing clinically significant interactions with TCAs, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers. Used widely as a reference SSRI in serotonergic mechanism studies, animal models of depression, and as a positive control in receptor binding and reuptake assays.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-201Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Clozapine

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 78 / 100

    Clozapine (Clozaril) is the most effective antipsychotic ever developed, and it has held that title since the 1980s without serious challenger. It was approved by the FDA in 1989 specifically for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and remains the only drug demonstrated to reduce suicidality in schizophrenia. The catch is severe: roughly one in 100 patients develops agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal collapse of white blood cell production, which is why every patient on clozapine in the United States must submit to weekly, then biweekly, then monthly blood draws indefinitely. Mechanistically it is the prototype atypical antipsychotic, with weak D2 blockade compensated by potent 5-HT2A blockade and a wide net of effects on histamine, muscarinic, and adrenergic receptors. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Atypical antipsychotic / D4-D2 multireceptor antagonist

    The prototype atypical antipsychotic; the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, limited by agranulocytosis risk requiring weekly blood monitoring.

    Abstract

    Clozapine (8-chloro-11-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepine; CAS 5786-21-0; molecular formula C18H19ClN4; molecular weight 326.82) is a dibenzodiazepine atypical antipsychotic developed at Wander/Sandoz and approved by the FDA in 1989 under the trade name Clozaril. The compound is the prototype atypical antipsychotic, introducing the receptor profile that defines the class: weak D2 antagonism (Ki approximately 130 nM) combined with potent 5-HT2A antagonism (Ki approximately 16 nM), producing antipsychotic efficacy without the extrapyramidal symptoms typical of high-affinity D2 antagonists. Off-target activity is broad: H1, alpha-1, muscarinic M1-M5 (Ki approximately 7 nM at M1), 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, 5-HT6, 5-HT7 antagonism, contributing to sedation, weight gain, sialorrhea (paradoxical from M4 partial agonism), and orthostatic hypotension. The defining clinical feature is efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, where clozapine consistently outperforms other antipsychotics; the limitation is approximately 1 percent agranulocytosis incidence, requiring weekly CBC monitoring through the first 6 months and biweekly thereafter. Plasma half-life is 12 hours; metabolism is via CYP1A2 (primary), CYP3A4, CYP2D6. Used as the canonical atypical antipsychotic in mechanism studies and as the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-232Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Buspirone

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 60 / 100

    Buspirone (BuSpar) is the first non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, approved by the FDA in 1986. Mechanistically it is unrelated to any sedative class: it is a partial agonist at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, with no GABA-A activity. That means it does not produce sedation, dependence, or withdrawal, and it has no recreational potential. The trade-off is that it works slowly (effects build over 2 to 4 weeks) and does not produce the fast acute relief patients expect from a benzodiazepine, which has limited its uptake despite its safety advantages. It is FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder and is widely used as add-on for SSRI-treated depression where some additional anxiolysis is needed. The active metabolite 1-PP is an alpha-2 antagonist contributing to the noradrenergic tone. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    5-HT1A partial agonist anxiolytic

    An azapirone 5-HT1A partial agonist; a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic without dependence or sedation.

    Abstract

    Buspirone (8-[4-(4-pyrimidin-2-yl-1-piperazinyl)butyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione; CAS 36505-84-7; molecular formula C21H31N5O2; molecular weight 385.50) is an azapirone 5-HT1A partial agonist developed at Bristol-Myers Squibb and approved by the FDA in 1986 under the trade name BuSpar. The compound is the first clinically approved non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, distinguished by mechanism (5-HT1A partial agonism rather than GABA-A potentiation), tolerance/dependence profile (none), and absence of sedation. 5-HT1A affinity is approximately 21 nM (intrinsic activity approximately 35 percent); secondary D2 antagonism (Ki approximately 100 nM) is of unclear clinical significance. The active metabolite 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine (1-PP) is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist contributing to noradrenergic effects. Onset of anxiolytic effect is delayed (2 to 4 weeks), reflecting the time course of 5-HT1A autoreceptor desensitization. Plasma half-life is 2 to 3 hours; metabolism is extensive via CYP3A4 with significant first-pass effect (oral bioavailability approximately 4 percent). Approved for generalized anxiety disorder. Used as the canonical 5-HT1A partial agonist in mechanism studies.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-248Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Cardarine (GW-501516)

    PPAR-delta agonist (not a SARM)

    A PPAR-delta agonist developed for dyslipidemia; widely used recreationally as an endurance enhancer despite cancer findings in long-term rodent studies.

    Abstract

    Cardarine (GW-501516, Endurobol; CAS 317318-70-0; molecular formula C21H18F3NO3S2; molecular weight 453.50) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR-delta) agonist developed at GlaxoSmithKline for dyslipidemia. The compound is not a SARM; it is grouped with SARMs in popular discourse owing to similar recreational use patterns. PPAR-delta activation in skeletal muscle increases fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and endurance capacity. Phase 2 trials in dyslipidemia demonstrated favorable lipid profile changes (HDL increase, triglyceride decrease). Development was halted by GSK in 2007 after long-term carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice showed dose-dependent tumor formation in multiple organs at all dose levels tested. The compound retains research utility as the canonical PPAR-delta agonist for academic metabolic research and is widely used recreationally despite the carcinogenicity signal; banned by WADA. Plasma half-life is approximately 24 hours.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-265Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Dutasteride

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 60 / 100

    Dutasteride (Avodart) is the more aggressive cousin of finasteride, approved in 2002. It blocks both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase (finasteride mainly hits type II), suppressing plasma DHT by 90 to 95 percent rather than 65 to 70 percent. That makes it more effective for prostate enlargement and, in head-to-head trials, slightly better for hair loss, but it also produces a higher rate of sexual side effects. The very long half-life (about five weeks) means the effect persists long after stopping. The post-finasteride-syndrome concern applies here too. Often used off-label for hair loss in patients who do not respond to finasteride. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Dual 5-alpha-reductase I/II inhibitor

    A 4-azasteroid dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (types I and II); more complete DHT suppression than finasteride.

    Abstract

    Dutasteride ((5-alpha,17-beta)-N-{2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}-3-oxo-4-azaandrost-1-ene-17-carboxamide; CAS 164656-23-9; molecular formula C27H30F6N2O2; molecular weight 528.53) is a 4-azasteroid dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor developed at GlaxoSmithKline and approved by the FDA in 2002 under the trade name Avodart. Distinct from finasteride by inhibition of both 5AR isozymes (type I Ki approximately 0.6 nM, type II Ki approximately 0.3 nM, both substantially more potent than finasteride at type II). Plasma DHT is reduced by approximately 90 to 95 percent at the 0.5 mg dose, compared to 65 to 70 percent for finasteride. Plasma half-life is approximately 5 weeks (the longest in the 5AR inhibitor class), reflecting tight tissue binding. Approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia; off-label use in androgenetic alopecia (often more effective than finasteride). The longer half-life means slower offset of effect on discontinuation but also slower washout for fertility planning. Sexual side effects parallel finasteride. Used as the canonical dual 5AR inhibitor in mechanism studies.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-280Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Dasatinib

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 80 / 100

    Dasatinib (Sprycel) is a multi-target kinase inhibitor approved in 2006 for chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia-chromosome-positive ALL. The longevity world cares about it for a different reason: in 2015, Kirkland and Tchkonia at Mayo Clinic showed that dasatinib combined with quercetin (a natural flavonoid) selectively kills senescent cells, those zombie cells that accumulate with age and pump out inflammatory signals. The combination, dubbed D+Q, became the prototype senolytic regimen and is in human trials for diabetic kidney disease, Alzheimer disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The intermittent dosing (a few days per month) is meant to clear senescent cells without sustained kinase inhibitor exposure. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Tyrosine kinase inhibitor / senolytic

    A multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for chronic myeloid leukemia; repurposed in senolytic combination therapy with quercetin (D+Q).

    Abstract

    Dasatinib (BMS-354825; CAS 302962-49-8; molecular formula C22H26ClN7O2S; molecular weight 488.01) is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed at Bristol-Myers Squibb and approved by the FDA in 2006 under the trade name Sprycel for chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL. The senolytic application emerged from work by Kirkland and Tchkonia at Mayo Clinic (2015 onward) demonstrating that the combination of dasatinib (targeting senescent cells of mesenchymal origin) and quercetin (targeting senescent cells of epithelial origin) selectively eliminates senescent cells while sparing healthy cells. The D+Q regimen has been advanced into multiple clinical trials in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic kidney disease, Alzheimer disease, and other age-related conditions, with intermittent dosing (e.g., 100 mg daily for 3 days monthly) hypothesized to clear accumulated senescent cells without continuous chemotherapy exposure. Plasma half-life is approximately 5 hours; metabolism is via CYP3A4. Used as the canonical senolytic small molecule with clinical translation.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-297Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Latrepirdine (Dimebon)

    Multi-target antihistamine / mitochondrial protectant

    A Russian antihistamine repurposed for Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease; phase 3 trials failed despite encouraging phase 2 results.

    Abstract

    Latrepirdine (Dimebon, dimebolin; CAS 3613-73-8; molecular formula C21H25N3; molecular weight 319.45) is a tetrahydro-gamma-carboline antihistamine developed in the USSR in the 1960s and approved in Russia for allergic conditions. The compound is a non-selective receptor blocker (H1, alpha-1, alpha-2, 5-HT2A, 5-HT5A, 5-HT6, D1, D2). The Alzheimer disease application emerged from drug repurposing screens in the 2000s; preclinical studies suggested mitochondrial protective effects independent of the receptor binding. Phase 2 trial in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease (2008) demonstrated significant improvement in ADAS-cog and other endpoints, generating widespread interest. Phase 3 trials (CONNECTION, CONCERT) in 2010-2012 failed to replicate the phase 2 effects, marking one of the highest-profile late-stage failures in CNS drug development. The compound is no longer in clinical development. Used as a research compound for multi-target receptor pharmacology.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-314Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • JZL184

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 50 / 100

    JZL184 is the canonical research probe for blocking MAGL, the enzyme that breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG. It was developed in the Cravatt laboratory at Scripps and works by permanently inactivating the enzyme, which raises 2-AG levels and produces cannabinoid-like effects without direct receptor agonism. Animal work shows analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, but a meaningful complication is that JZL184 also partially inhibits FAAH (about 300-fold MAGL preference), muddying interpretation of some early studies. Cleaner second-generation tools like KML29 have largely replaced it for definitive mechanism work. Not a clinical compound. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Selective MAGL inhibitor (research)

    A covalent inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL); the canonical research probe for elevating endogenous 2-AG.

    Abstract

    JZL184 (CAS 1101854-58-3; molecular formula C27H24F2N2O5; molecular weight 510.49) is a covalent piperidinyl-carbamate inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) developed by Cravatt and colleagues at Scripps. The compound carbamoylates the active-site serine of MAGL, producing irreversible enzyme inactivation. Selective for MAGL over FAAH (approximately 300-fold) and other serine hydrolases. Pharmacological consequence: elevation of endogenous 2-AG (the principal full-agonist endocannabinoid) without direct CB receptor agonism. Behavioral effects are more THC-like than FAAH inhibition (anxiolysis, analgesia, hypothermia, catalepsy at high dose), reflecting the higher tonic CB1 occupancy from elevated 2-AG. Used as the canonical MAGL inhibitor in academic neuroscience for studies of 2-AG signaling and CB1-mediated synaptic plasticity. No human clinical development.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-330Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Sodium Oxybate (GHB)

    GHB receptor agonist / GABA-B partial agonist

    Sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate; an endogenous neurotransmitter and prescription medication for narcolepsy and (controversially) alcoholism.

    Abstract

    Sodium oxybate (sodium 4-hydroxybutanoate, GHB; CAS 502-85-2; molecular formula C4H7NaO3; molecular weight 126.09) is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, an endogenous short-chain fatty acid neurotransmitter and metabolite of GABA. The compound binds two distinct receptors: high-affinity GHB receptors (Kd approximately 50 nM, low capacity) and low-affinity GABA-B receptors (Ki approximately 5 mM, high capacity); pharmacologically meaningful effects at clinical doses are predominantly GABA-B-mediated. Approved indications: narcolepsy with cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness; clinical effect involves consolidation of slow-wave sleep. Used in some European countries (notably Italy, France) for alcohol withdrawal and dependence treatment. Schedule III when prescribed as Xyrem; Schedule I as illicit GHB. The narrow therapeutic index makes overdose easy and dangerous; recreational misuse with predatory drug-facilitated assault has been a significant public health issue. Plasma half-life is approximately 0.5 to 1 hour. Used as the canonical GHB receptor and GABA-B partial agonist in academic neuroscience.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-346Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Erythropoietin (EPO)

    Glycoprotein hormone (erythropoiesis-stimulating)

    The hormone that stimulates red blood cell production; recombinant human EPO is approved for anemia and is widely abused in endurance sports.

    Abstract

    Erythropoietin (EPO; CAS 11096-26-7; 165-amino-acid glycoprotein with three N-linked and one O-linked glycan chains; molecular weight approximately 30 kDa) is the principal regulatory hormone of erythropoiesis, produced by interstitial fibroblasts in the renal cortex in response to hypoxia. Recombinant human EPO (epoetin alfa, Procrit, Epogen) was approved by the FDA in 1989 as one of the first commercial recombinant proteins. Mechanism: binding to the EPO receptor (homodimer) on erythroid progenitor cells (BFU-E, CFU-E) prevents apoptosis and stimulates proliferation and differentiation, increasing red blood cell production over 1 to 2 weeks. Approved indications: anemia of chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy-induced anemia, anemia in zidovudine-treated HIV, anemia of prematurity, surgical blood conservation. The compound is among the most notorious performance-enhancing substances in endurance sport (cycling, distance running, cross-country skiing) owing to the oxygen-delivery advantage of supranormal hematocrit; the WADA prohibited list and modern biological passport monitoring address this. Plasma half-life is approximately 4 to 13 hours subcutaneous; longer-acting analogs (darbepoetin, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) extend dosing intervals. Used as the canonical erythropoiesis-stimulating agent in research.

    Read the full monograph

    The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, sourcing and quality verification, and a curated reference list. Embedded inline below; download for offline reading.

    KDC-MN-363Open in new tab →

    Download PDF →

    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.