(S)-MK-26 is an atypical dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI) that was derived from modafinil. It is closely related to two other modafinil analogues, (S,S)-CE-158 and (S)-CE-123. (S)-MK-26 has markedly improved potency and selectivity as a blocker of the dopamine transporter (DAT) compared to modafinil (IC50Tooltip half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 49 nM vs. 6,400 nΜ; 130-fold difference). It has pro-motivational effects in animals and reverses tetrabenazine-induced motivational deficits and depression-like behavior. The drug dose-dependently increases extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, does not modify locomotor activity (a measure of psychostimulant-like effect), and slightly enhances spatial memory in animals. There has been interest in (S)-MK-26 as a potential treatment for depression, psychostimulant use disorder (PSUD), Alzheimer's disease, and aging-related disorders. It was first described by 2022.
See also List of modafinil analogues and derivatives MRZ-9547 PRX-14040
References