Featured Technologies   View all Monthly Featured Technologies Novel Benztropine Analogs for Treatment of Cocaine Abuse and Other Mental Disorders Description of Technology: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that exerts important effects on locomotor activity, motivation and reward, and cognition. The dopamine transporter (DAT) is expressed on the plasma membrane of dopamine synthesizing neurons, and is responsible for clearing dopamine released into the extra-cellular space, thereby regulating neurotransmission. The dopamine transporter plays a significant role in neurotoxicity and human diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, drug abuse (especially cocaine addiction), Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), and a number of other CNS disorders. Therefore, the dopamine transporter is a strong target for research and the discovery of potential therapeutics for the treatment of these indications. This invention discloses novel benztropine analogs and methods of using these analogs for treatment of mental and conduct disorders such as cocaine abuse, narcolepsy, ADHD, obesity and nicotine abuse. The disclosed analogs are highly selective and potent inhibitors of DAT, but without an apparent cocaine-like behavioral profile. In addition to their use as a treatment for cocaine abuse, these compounds have also shown efficacy in animal models of ADHD and nicotine abuse, and have also been shown to reduce food intake in animals. They may also be useful medications for other indications where dopamine-related behavior is compromised, such as alcohol addiction, tobacco addiction, and Parkinson’s disease. Applications: Drug leads for treatment of cocaine abuse, ADHD, nicotine abuse, obesity, and other dopamine-related disorders Imaging probes for dopamine transporter binding sites Development Status: Pre-clinical data are available. Inventors: Amy H. Newman (NIDA), Mu-fa Zou (NIDA), Jonathan L. Katz (NIDA) Patent Status: DHHS Reference No. E-234-2005/0 -- U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/710,956 filed 24 Aug 2005 DHHS Reference No. E-234-2005/1 -- PCT Application No. PCT/US2006/33103 filed 24 Aug 2006, which published as WO 2007/025055 on 01 Mar 2007 U.S. Patent Application No. 12/063,072 filed 06 Feb 2008 Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or nonexclusive licensing. Collaborative Research Opportunity: The Medicinal Chemistry and Psychobiology Sections, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize medications to treat cocaine abuse and addiction. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301/435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information. Portfolio: Internal Medicine - Therapeutics, other For additional information, please contact: Charlene A. Sydnor, Ph.D. Office of Technology Transfer National Institutes of Health 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325 Rockville MD 20852 Phone: 301/435-4689 Fax: 301/402-0220 Email: sydnorc@mail.nih.gov