GTS-21 (also known as DMBX-A), is a novel, small-molecule, orally active and selective alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor agonist that has demonstrated memory and cognition enhancement activity in human clinical... Athenagen licensed the exclusive rights to the compound and a related library of analogs as part of the acquisition of Osprey Pharmaceutical Company in April 2006.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Auditory sensory gating, a biological measurement of the ability to suppress the evoked response to the second of two auditory stimuli, is diminished in people with schizophrenia. Deficits in sensory gating are associated with attentional impairment, and may contribute to cognitive symptoms and perceptual disturbances. This inhibitory process, which involves the alpha(7) nicotinic receptor mediated release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by hippocampal interneurons, represents a potential new target for therapeutic intervention in schizophrenia. GTS-21 is an orally active alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor agonist.
- Primary indication
- Investigated for use/treatment in alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C19H20N2O2 · 308.3743 g/mol (avg)
- Also known as
- 3-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene) anabaseine · Dimethoxybenzylidene anabaseine · DMXB-A · DMXB-Anabaseine
- Code names
- GTS-21
Resolves to
RPYWXZCFYPVCNQ-RVDMUPIBSA-NSMILES[H]\C(=C1\CCCN=C1C1=CN=CC=C1)C1=C(OC)C=C(OC)C=C1What you can answer from here — as of November 13, 2025
Which drugs share a target with GTS-21, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account