18-methylaminocoronaridine

18-Methylaminocoronaridine (18-MAC) is a second-generation synthetic derivative of ibogaine and a structural analog of 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC). Developed by a research team led by pharmacologist Stanley D. Glick at Albany Medical College and chemist Martin E. Kuehne at the University of Vermont, 18-MAC is a small molecule belonging to the iboga alkaloid class. It was designed as a follow-up to 18-MC for the treatment of various forms of addiction, including opioid, cocaine, and nicotine use disorders. Mechanistically, 18-MAC acts as a selective antagonist at alpha-3-beta-4 (α3β4) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are highly expressed in the medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus pathway and play a critical role in drug self-administration and withdrawal. Unlike ibogaine, 18-MAC is intended to lack hallucinogenic properties and cerebellar toxicity, making it a safer candidate for anti-addiction therapy.

Other names

18-methylaminocoronaridine