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PreclinicalResearch compoundLimited evidence

ASP‑4345

Dopamine D1 receptor positive allosteric modulator, an experimental agent for schizophrenia cognition.

NootropicModulatorDopaminergicMemoryFocusDopaminenoo.affects.memorynoo.affects.focus

Pharmacology

ClassDopaminergic · Memory · Focus
Primary targetDopamine D1 receptor positive allosteric modulation
Targets3 receptor targets
Half-lifeElimination half-life ~9.1-26.8 hours (Phase 1 human studies)
OnsetPeak plasma levels in ~1-3 hours (oral); designed for once-daily dosing
EvidenceLimited evidence
Affected systemsDopaminenoo.affects.memorynoo.affects.focus

Contents

WHAT IS ASP-4345?

Detailed overview

ASP-4345 (ASP4345) is a dopamine D1 receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM) developed by Astellas and investigated as an add-on treatment for the cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Unlike classical D1 agonists it does not directly activate the receptor; instead it binds a secondary site and amplifies the brain's own dopamine response, targeting prefrontal cortex D1 signaling in order to avoid the cardiovascular and seizure risks typical of direct agonists. Phase 1 studies used once-daily oral dosing; the most common adverse effects were headache and somnolence, generally mild, and cognitive tests showed improvement. Development was discontinued after Phase 2; the compound is not an approved medicine and is not a dietary supplement.

Mechanism

Dopamine D1 receptor PAM (allosteric)

Half-life

~9-27 h (once-daily dosing)

Legal status

Investigational (halted at Phase 2)

Receptor profile

  • Dopamine D1 receptorModerate
  • Prefrontal cognitive circuitsWeak
  • Auditory information processingWeak

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 4

  • Headache, the most common and typically mild adverse effect in trials
  • Somnolence (drowsiness), mostly mild in severity
  • Limited human safety database: only Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies were run, in small patient numbers
  • Long-term safety is unknown because development was halted at Phase 2

Contraindications · 3

  • Not an approved medicine: not authorized for human use, studied only in a research context
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
  • In trials it was given as add-on to antipsychotics in schizophrenia; there is no data for standalone unsupervised use

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

Studies

Related research and clinical findings

FAQ

FAQ

Dopamine D1 receptor positive allosteric modulator, an experimental agent for schizophrenia cognition.

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Structure & chemistry

TypeNootropic
FormulaC19H14ClF3N4O3
UpdatedJuly 10, 2026
MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: July 10, 2026

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.