nitecapone

**Nitecapone** is a small molecule, selective, and orally active inhibitor of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), specifically targeting its soluble form (S-COMT)[1][2][5][6][9]. The drug was developed as a potential adjunct treatment for Parkinson’s disease to inhibit peripheral metabolism of L-DOPA, thereby increasing its bioavailability and central effects[6][9]. Nitecapone is also reported to have antioxidant, gastroprotective, and free radical scavenging activity[2][3], and shows efficacy in reducing the development and symptoms of neuropathic pain in preclinical models[4][7]. It binds to COMT at the active site in a Mg2+-dependent manner and is structurally related to the nitrocatechol class of inhibitors[5]. Despite promising pharmacological effects, nitecapone was never marketed as a drug and remains an investigational chemical[9].

Other names

3-[(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)methylene]-2,4-pentanedione