nabilone

Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid, structurally similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It acts as a partial agonist at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system, mimicking some effects of natural cannabinoids. Nabilone is primarily used as an antiemetic for the treatment of severe nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have not responded adequately to conventional antiemetic therapies. It may also be used off-label as an adjunct analgesic for neuropathic pain and has been studied for other indications such as anorexia and weight loss in HIV/AIDS patients. Nabilone was originally developed by Eli Lilly and Company, later acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals, and is marketed under the brand name Cesamet.

Brand names

Cesamet

Other names

(±)-trans-3-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-6,6a,7,8,10,10a-hexahydro-1-hydroxy-6,6-dimethyl-9H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-9-one