NS9283 is a potent, positive allosteric modulator of α4β2 nAChR, acts selectively at 3α:2β stoichiometry of α2* and α4* nAChRs. NS9283 selectively increases ACh potency at the 3α:2β receptors while it does not modulate current conducted by the 2α:3β receptors. NS9283 was demonstrated to increase the potency of ACh-evoked currents in HEK293-hα4β2 cells by left-shifting the concentration–response curve ∼60-fold. NS9283 has favourable effects on sensory information processing, as shown by reversal of PCP-disrupted pre-pulse inhibition. NS9283 improved performance in a rat model of episodic memory (social recognition), a rat model of sustained attention.
