Phenserine

• CAT Number: M005248
• CAS Number: 101246-66-6
• Molecular Formula: C20H23N3O2
• Molecular Weight: 337.423
• Purity: ≥95%
• Synonyms: (-)-Eseroline phenylcarbamate; (-)-Phenserine.
• Target: Cholinesterase (ChE)
• Solubility: Soluble in DMSO > 10 mM
• Storage: Store at +4C
• IUPAC Name: [(3aR,8bS)-3,4,8b-trimethyl-2,3a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]indol-7-yl] N-phenylcarbamate
• InChI: InChI=1S/C20H23N3O2/c1-20-11-12-22(2)18(20)23(3)17-10-9-15(13-16(17)20)25-19(24)21-14-7-5-4-6-8-14/h4-10,13,18H,11-12H2,1-3H3,(H,21,24)/t18-,20+/m1/s1
• InChIKey: PBHFNBQPZCRWQP-QUCCMNQESA-N
• SMILES: CC12CCN(C1N(C3=C2C=C(C=C3)OC(=O)NC4=CC=CC=C4)C)C

Phenserine is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, primarily investigated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, Phenserine increases levels of acetylcholine in the brain, improving cognitive function and memory in patients with neurodegenerative conditions. In addition to its cholinergic activity, it has been studied for its ability to reduce the production of amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is associated with the formation of amyloid plaques—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Phenserine’s dual action, targeting both acetylcholine degradation and APP metabolism, makes it a potential candidate for disease-modifying therapies in Alzheimer’s research. However, its clinical use is still under investigation.

Overview of Clinical Research

Originator: National Institute on Aging; National Institutes of Health (USA)
Developer: Cenomed BioSciences; Daewoong Pharmaceutical; QR Pharma
Class: Neuroprotectants; Nootropics; Phenylcarbamates; Small molecules
Mechanism of Action: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; Amyloid beta-protein precursor inhibitors
Orphan Drug Status: No
New Molecular Entity: Yes