Zolunicant (MM-110) is a potent nicotinic α3β4 receptor inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.90 μM, showing promise in combating addiction. It effectively reduces self-administration of addictive agents such as morphine, cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and ethanol in rat models, indicating its potential as a treatment for various forms of drug abuse [1]. Additionally, Zolunicant exhibits strong leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania amazonensis, expanding its therapeutic prospects [2].

Zolunicant (18-MC; 0.01-100 μM) inhibits nicotinic α3β4 receptors, demonstrating an IC50 of 0.90 μM [1]. Additionally, Zolunicant (18-MCOR; 0-20 μg/ml; 24h) exhibits antiamastigote activity against L. amazonensis-infected macrophages, with a Cell Viability Assay revealing a significant reduction in amastigote survival—73%, 84%, and 92% decreases at concentrations of 1, 10, and 20 μg/ml, respectively [2].

Zolunicant (18-MC; intravenous administration; 0-20 μg/day for 14 days) effectively reduces morphine self-administration in naïve female Long-Evans derived rats by inhibiting α3β4 nicotinic receptors within the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway. The compound, administered directly into the medial habenula and interpeduncular nucleus, demonstrated significant decreases in morphine intake, evidencing its potential as a therapeutic agent in addiction treatments (Interpeduncular nucleus: F(5,29) = 6.89, P < 0.0001; Medial habenula: F(4,28) = 3.07, P < 0.03) [3].