ABT‑089
Alpha4beta2 nicotinic partial agonist, investigational ADHD and cognition drug, human trials largely negative.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS ABT-089?
Detailed overview
ABT-089 (pozanicline) is a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist developed by Abbott, with moderate selectivity for the α4β2 subtype. Unlike nicotine it facilitates acetylcholine release with comparable potency while driving far less dopamine release, a profile intended to deliver cognitive benefit with lower abuse liability. It advanced into human trials for ADHD and cognition: a small adult ADHD pilot suggested benefit, but larger controlled studies failed to separate from placebo, and development was ultimately discontinued. It was never approved as a medicine or supplement and remains an investigational research compound.
Mechanism
α4β2 nicotinic partial agonist
Evidence
Human ADHD trials (largely negative)
Legal status
Unapproved, discontinued investigational drug
Receptor profile
- α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorModerate
- Facilitation of acetylcholine releaseModerate
- α6β2 nicotinic receptorWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 4
- Generally well tolerated in clinical trials; the most common complaints were mild: headache and nausea
- Dizziness and nausea, the gastrointestinal complaints typical of nicotinic agonists
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep, especially with later-in-the-day dosing
- Long-term safety is only partly characterized: development stopped for lack of efficacy, not from extended human exposure data
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
- Not an approved medicine: development was discontinued, not recommended outside clinical supervision
- Caution in seizure disorders or lowered seizure threshold given enhanced nicotinic signaling
- Additive effects possible when combined with other nicotinic agonists or nicotine
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Efficacy and safety of the novel α4β2 neuronal nicotinic receptor partial agonist ABT-089 in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Apostol G, Abi-Saab W, Kratochvil CJ, et al.
A randomized pilot study of the efficacy and safety of ABT-089, a novel α4β2 neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist, in adults with ADHD
Bain EE, Apostol G, Sangal RB, et al.
Pozanicline for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Childress A, Sallee FR
ABT-089 and ABT-894 reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesias in a monkey model of Parkinson's disease
Zhang D, Bordia T, McGregor M, et al.
ABT-089, but not ABT-107, ameliorates nicotine withdrawal-induced cognitive deficits in C57BL6/J mice
Yildirim E, Connor DA, Gould TJ
Determination of ABT-089 in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography using in situ precolumn derivatization
Bryan PD, El-Shourbagy TA, Kelly EJ, et al.
FAQ
FAQ
Alpha4beta2 nicotinic partial agonist, investigational ADHD and cognition drug, human trials largely negative.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.