Fasoracetam powder is a research compound and member of the racetam family of nootropics, primarily known for their cognitive enhancing abilities. Fasoracetam is also an axiolytic and may be able to improve mood as well. This racetam works by affecting three receptors within the brain: acetylcholine, GABA, and glutamate, all three of which are involved in the creation and retention of memories. On top of that, it has the potential to become a full-blown drug fortreating ADHD as a non-stimulant.
Name | Fasoracetam powder |
CAS | 110958-19-5 |
Purity | 98% |
Chemical name | (R)-1-((5-Oxo-2-pyrrolidinyl)carbonyl)piperidine |
Synonyms | Fasoracetam; N-(5-Oxo-D-prolyl)piperidine; NS-105; NFC-1; LAM-105. |
Molecular Formula | C10H16N2O2 |
Molecular Weight | 196.25 g/mol |
Melting Point | 57 °C |
InChI Key | GOWRRBABHQUJMX-MRVPVSSYSA-N |
Form | Solid |
Appearance | White powder |
Half Life | 1.5 hours |
Solubility | Soluble in DMSO |
Storage Condition | Store in dry, dark conditions at 0 – 4 °C for short-term (day/weeks), and – 20°C for long term storage. |
Application | Agonist of all three metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) with potential antidepressant action, that has been used in clinical trials for vascular dementia and attention deficit disorder |
Testing Document | Available |
Fasoracetam powder (also known as NS-105, LAM-105, and NFC-1) is a nootropic or smart drug that belongs to the racetam family of drugs. It was first developedin the early 1990s by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Nippon Shinyakuwith the intention of treating vascular dementia. The company spent over $200 million developing fasoracetam, however, the drug failed to make it past phase 3 clinical trials due to a lack of efficacy and was eventually abandoned.
In 2013, interest in fasoracetam was revived when a company called NeuroFi purchased the clinical data for the drug from Nippon Shinyaku. NeuroFix was later acquired by Aevi Genomic Medicine, which began clinical trials in 2016 in adolescents with ADHD, autism, or anxiety, who have mutations in the glutamate receptor gene. Fasoracetam is currently in phase 2 clinical trials.
Fasoracetam powder was created in the 1990s by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Nippon Shinyaku as a possible treatment for vascular dementia. Development was halted after disappointing clinical trials, but in 2013 the clinical data on fasoracetam (sometimes referred to in research literature as NS-105 or NFC-1) was purchased by the US-based firm NeuroFix, a subsidiary of Aevi Genomic Medicine.
In 2015, fasoracetam powder was accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration’s Investigational New Drug program, which grants the developers permission to start human clinical trials and ship the drug across state lines.
Clinical trials on fasoracetam started again in 2016, investigating the compound’s potential for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children who demonstrate a specific mutation of the glutamate receptor system. The trials suggested that fasoracetam has potential as a non-stimulant alternative to Adderall and other amphetamine derivatives for ADHD treatment.
A phase II proof-of-concept trial was planned for 2018 to investigate fasoracetam as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) treatment.
Fasoracetam has not been officially approved for any use by the USFDA and is classified as a research chemical that is not intended for human use.
Like all racetams, the mechanism of action of fasoracetam is not fully understood.
Research has shown that fasoracetam works by the following mechanisms:
Fasoracetam increases the release of acetylcholine from the cerebral cortex. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in the brain is responsible for memory and learning. Fasoracetam also increases the uptake of choline, a nutrient needed to create acetylcholine throughout the brain.
Fasoracetam increases the number of receptors (in the cortex) for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
It also activates certain types of glutamate receptors (metabotropic glutamate receptors – mGluRs). Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter, and mGluRs have many functions throughout the brain [R, R].
(1) May Prevent Memory Loss
In rats, fasoracetam prevented memory problems caused by baclofen, a GABA-B receptor activator. It also reduced amnesia by increasing acetylcholine and reducing the effects of GABA-B activation.
(2) May Reduce Symptoms of Depression
Abnormal GABA levels are linked to certain brain disorders, including anxiety and depression. Fasoracetam reduced depressive symptoms in rats that were conditioned to feel helpless to avoid negative situations (learned helplessness)
Fasoracetam powder is a research chemical of the racetam family. It is a putative nootropic that failed to show sufficient efficacy in clinical trials for vascular dementia. It is currently being studied for its potential use for attention deficithyperactivity disorder.
Scientists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia led by Hakon Hakonarson havestudied fasoracetam’s potential use in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.