JWH-424 is a drug from the naphthoylindole family, which acts as a cannabinoid agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but with moderate selectivity for CB2, having a Ki of 5.44nM at CB2 vs 20.9 nM at CB1. The heavier 8-iodo analogue is even more CB2 selective, with its 2-methyl derivative having 40 times selectivity for CB2. However the 1-propyl homologues in this series showed much lower affinity at both receptors, reflecting a generally reduced affinity for the 8-substituted naphthoylindoles overall.[1]

In the United States, all CB1 receptor agonists of the 3-(1-naphthoyl)indole class such as JWH-424 are Schedule I Controlled Substances.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Wiley JL, Smith VJ, Chen J, Martin BR, Huffman JW (March 2012). "Synthesis and pharmacology of 1-alkyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indoles: steric and electronic effects of 4- and 8-halogenated naphthoyl substituents". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 20 (6): 2067–81. doi:10.1016/j.bmc.2012.01.038. PMC 3298571. PMID 22341572.
  2. ^ 21 U.S.C. § 812: Schedules of controlled substances