Ibipinabant

Ibipinabant (also known as SLV319 and BMS-646256) is a drug that was under development by Sanofi-Aventis and later by Bristol-Myers Squibb. It is a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide and other cannabinoids on the CB1 receptor.

History

Ibipinabant was initially developed by Sanofi-Aventis, a French multinational pharmaceutical company. The development was later taken over by Bristol-Myers Squibb, an American multinational pharmaceutical company. The drug was in the phase II clinical trials when the development was discontinued.

Pharmacology

Ibipinabant is a selective CB1 receptor antagonist. The CB1 receptor is a type of cannabinoid receptor that is primarily located in the brain but also found in other parts of the body. The CB1 receptor is activated by the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, as well as by the psychoactive compound THC found in cannabis. By blocking the effects of these compounds on the CB1 receptor, ibipinabant was expected to have therapeutic effects in a variety of conditions, including obesity and nicotine addiction.

Clinical Trials and Discontinuation

Ibipinabant was tested in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of obesity and nicotine addiction. However, the development of the drug was discontinued due to concerns about side effects, including depression and anxiety, which are common with other CB1 receptor antagonists.

See Also

• Cannabinoid receptor antagonist
• Rimonabant
• Cannabis (drug)