L-norleucine

L-norleucine is a straight-chain isomer of the essential amino acid leucine that was investigated as a potential non-hormonal treatment for menopausal hot flashes. Developed in research sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the University of Rochester, L-norleucine was hypothesized to alleviate hot flashes by binding to the alpha-2-delta-1 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. This mechanism is shared with gabapentin, an anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain medication that has demonstrated efficacy in reducing hot flash frequency. L-norleucine was evaluated in a Phase 1/2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT00081952) alongside L-isoleucine and L-valine. The study concluded that L-norleucine was not more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency or severity of hot flashes, leading to the termination of its development for this indication.

Other names

(S)-2-aminohexanoic acidnorleucine