Deutetrabenazine

May 22, 2017
My six D atoms make me last longer.
What molecule am I?
Image of Deutetrabenazine 3D Image of Deutetrabenazine

Tetrabenazine is a drug that was introduced in the 1950s as a tranquilizer. Since then it has been used to treat diseases such as Huntington’s chorea, Tourette syndrome, and hemiballismus.

This year, Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva introduced an improved version of tetrabenazine: a hexadeuterated form called deutetrabenazine. The six deuterium atoms are shown in green in the 3-D image.

The new drug takes advantage of the hydrogen–deuterium kinetic isotope effect, in which replacing hydrogen with deuterium slows the decomposition rate and allows it to remain in the body longer than the original.

In April, the US Food and Drug Administration approved deutetrabenazine for treating Huntington’s chorea. It is the first deuterated drug approved by the agency.

Chemical Abstract Service - a division of ACS

Learn more about this molecule from CAS, the most authoritative and comprehensive source for chemical information.

Molecule of the Week needs your suggestions!

If your favorite molecule is not in our archive, please send us a message. The molecule can be notable for its current or historical importance or for any quirky reason. Thank you!

Stay Ahead of the Chemistry Curve

Learn how ACS can help you stay ahead in the world of chemistry.