Pharmacological characterization of new psychoactive substances
University of Vienna July 8, 2026 Ronald Derndorfer
Six benzofuran cathinone derivatives were tested in vitro on human monoamine transporters SERT, DAT, and NET using HEK-293 cells. Stereochemistry, substituent position on the benzofuran ring, and alkyl chain length influenced potency. The highest potency was observed at DAT, followed by NET and SERT. All compounds induced release at SERT; only R-βK-6-MAPB released DAT, while both stereoisomers of βK-6-MAPB released NET. Selected compounds may show selective serotonergic activity and could be candidates for further evaluation in PTSD treatment.