(S)-UFR2709 (hydrochloride) is a competitive nAChR antagonist with higher affinity for α4β2 nAChRs than for α7 nAChRs. It decreases anxiety and reduces ethanol consumption and preference in alcohol-preferring rats. As an anxiolytic agent, (S)-UFR2709 (hydrochloride) can be used for the study of nicotine addiction[1][2].

Brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), a diverse group of pentameric acetylcholine-gated cation channels, serve as a molecular target for alcohol abuse and dependence treatment[1].

(S)-UFR2709 (hydrochloride) (50-100 μg/ml) administered for 3 minutes and then held for 5 minutes significantly reduces bottom dwelling time in the Novel Tank Test (NTT), showing a dose-dependent decrease to 52.9 and 87.0 seconds for 50 and 100 μg/ml, respectively [2]. This compound also diminishes nicotine-evoked mRNA expression of the α4 nACh receptor subunit in adult zebrafish brains, with a lesser effect at both concentrations [2]. Additionally, intraperitoneal injection at 1-10 mg/kg daily for 17 days in high-alcohol-drinking UChB rats significantly decreases ethanol consumption and preference, while increasing water consumption dose-dependently, with 2.5 mg/kg being the most effective, resulting in a 56% reduction in alcohol intake, without impacting weight or locomotor activity [1].