MDL 72394

MDL 72394, also known as (E)-beta-fluoromethylene-m-tyrosine (FMMT), is a small molecule prodrug designed as a brain-selective, irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). It functions as a "bioprecursor" amino acid that is decarboxylated by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) to its active form, MDL 72392 ((E)-beta-fluoromethylene-m-tyramine). The therapeutic strategy involves co-administration with a peripherally restricted AADC inhibitor, such as carbidopa, which prevents the conversion of MDL 72394 in systemic circulation. This allows the prodrug to cross the blood-brain barrier and undergo activation specifically within the central nervous system, thereby avoiding the hypertensive "cheese effect" associated with peripheral MAO-A inhibition. Developed by Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, it was primarily investigated for the treatment of affective disorders and depression.

Other names

(E)-beta-fluoromethylene-m-tyrosine(E)-beta-fluoromethyline-m-tyrosine