Hopantenic acid

Hopantenic acid is a synthetic compound structurally related to pantothenic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It acts as a central nervous system depressant with a unique spectrum of pharmacological effects, including nootropic, anticonvulsant, mild activating, sedative, anxiolytic, neurometabolic, neuroprotective, and neurotrophic properties. Its mechanism of action involves enhancing GABAergic activity by acting as a GABA receptor modulator. This leads to increased brain resistance to hypoxia and toxic substances without causing addiction or withdrawal syndrome. Hopantenic acid is primarily used in Russia for various neurological, psychological, and psychiatric conditions and is formulated as the calcium salt for oral administration[1][2][4][6][7]. Hopantenic acid is mainly marketed in Russia under the brand names Pantogam and Pantocalcin. It has been studied for cognitive impairment and anxiety disorders but does not appear to be widely approved outside Russia[1][2][4]. The drug may also exhibit antioxidant properties contributing to its neuroprotective effects[6].

Brand names

PantogamPantocalcin

Other names

homopantothenic acidHopanteninsaeureAcido hopantenicoAcide hopanteniqueAcidum hopantenicum