BCI-838

BCI-838 is an orally active prodrug that acts as an antagonist of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors 2 and 3 (mGluR2/3). After oral administration, it is metabolized in the liver to its active form, BCI-632. The drug increases synaptic glutamate by inhibiting the mGluR2/3 auto-receptor at presynaptic sites. This mechanism leads to enhanced neurogenesis in the hippocampus and increased serotonin release. Preclinical studies have shown that BCI-838 improves learning behavior, reduces anxiety, and reverses memory deficits in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies. It also mimics some biological effects of ketamine but without causing psychosis or dissociative side effects. The drug has been evaluated for safety in phase 1 human studies and was well tolerated without serious adverse events[1][4][5][7].

Other names

BCI-632 (active metabolite)MGS0039 (active metabolite)