CE‑123
Thiazole-based modafinil analogue, selective dopamine transporter inhibitor, preclinical data only.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS CE-123?
Detailed overview
CE-123 is a thiazole-containing modafinil analogue that acts as a selective, though low-affinity, dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitor: by blocking dopamine reuptake it raises synaptic dopamine while having negligible effect on the serotonin (SERT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters. In rodent studies it improved memory acquisition and retrieval as well as cognitive flexibility, reportedly without increasing impulsivity. The behaviorally studied form is the S-enantiomer (S-CE-123), which showed better DAT affinity, selectivity and brain penetration than the lead compound R-modafinil. There are no human clinical trials: safety in humans is unstudied and the compound has never been approved for human use, so it exists only as an experimental research chemical.
Mechanism
Selective dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitor
Evidence
Preclinical only (no human data)
Legal status
Unapproved research chemical
Receptor profile
- Dopamine transporter (DAT)Moderate
- Prefrontal dopamine signalingModerate
- Serotonin and norepinephrine transporters (SERT/NET, negligible)Weak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- No human safety data: only preclinical (rodent) studies exist; the compound has not been tested in humans
- Possible insomnia or disrupted sleep with late dosing, typical of dopaminergic stimulants
- Theoretical restlessness, increased heart rate or blood pressure from dopamine reuptake inhibition
- Unknown long-term safety and abuse or dependence potential in humans
- Appetite suppression, a known class effect of dopaminergic stimulants
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
- Cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension
- Avoid combining with other dopaminergic agents or stimulants due to additive effects
- Not an approved medicine; experimental research chemical, not recommended without clinical supervision
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
A daily single dose of a novel modafinil analogue CE-123 improves memory acquisition and memory retrieval
Kristofova M, Aumann A, Kalaba P, Sartori SB, Pruckner V, et al.
A Novel Dopamine Transporter Inhibitor CE-123 Improves Cognitive Flexibility and Maintains Impulsivity in Healthy Male Rats
Nikiforuk A, Kos T, Rafa D, Behl B, Bespalov A, Popik P
Neurophysiological and Neurochemical Effects of the Putative Cognitive Enhancer (S)-CE-123 on Mesocorticolimbic Dopamine System
Sagheddu C, Pintori N, Kalaba P, Dragacevic V, Kada S, et al.
Structure-Activity Relationships of Novel Thiazole-Based Modafinil Analogues Acting at Monoamine Transporters
Kalaba P, Ilic M, Aher NY, Dragacevic V, Wieder M, et al.
Cognitive profiling and proteomic analysis of the modafinil analogue S-CE-123 in experienced aged rats
Gyertyan I, Lubec J, Ahmed M, Hoger H, Kalaba P, et al.
Pharmacokinetics of Novel Dopamine Transporter Inhibitor CE-123 and Modafinil with a Focus on Central Nervous System Distribution
Spreitzer I, Keck M, Ottersbach D, Wolf-Heuss E, et al.
FAQ
FAQ
Thiazole-based modafinil analogue, selective dopamine transporter inhibitor, preclinical data only.
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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.