Dupracetam is an investigational racetam compound that has been studied for its potential cognitive enhancing properties. It belongs to the racetam family of nootropics known for their pyrrolidone structure and purported effects on brain function.

How does Dupracetam work?

The precise mechanism of action of Dupracetam is not fully understood, but like other racetams, it likely affects neurotransmitter systems involved in learning and memory processes. It may modulate cholinergic, glutamatergic, or other neurotransmitter pathways.

Is Dupracetam approved for medical use?

Dupracetam is not approved by the FDA or other major regulatory agencies for medical use. It remains primarily a research compound with limited clinical investigation. Its regulatory status varies by country.

What scientific evidence exists for Dupracetam?

Scientific evidence for Dupracetam is limited primarily to preclinical research. There are few published studies on its effects in humans, and more research would be needed to establish its efficacy, safety profile, and appropriate dosing.

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Dupracetam

(CAS 59776-90-8)

Dupracetam is an obscure racetam nootropic investigated mainly in the late 20th century. It is known for the discovery that one of its main metabolites, 1-methylhydantoin, displays renal toxicity at high levels.

Formula

C₁₂H₁₈N₄O₄

Chemical Profile

IUPAC Name:Not disclosed

Molecular Formula:C₁₂H₁₈N₄O₄

Structure:Dihydropyrrolidone core with hydantoin substituent

PubChem CID:68793

Molar Mass:282.30 g/mol

SMILES:See PubChem or ChEMBL

Origin:Investigational racetam

Mechanism of Action

Dupracetam is presumed to act via racetam-like CNS modulation of neuroplasticity, glutamatergic or cholinergic signaling. Specific data or receptor studies are not published.

No peer-reviewed mechanistic studies available.

Preclinical Evidence

Metabolism and Potential Renal Toxicity

Studies have shown that dupracetam is metabolized in vivo to 1-methylhydantoin, which may display renal toxicity at high doses; this limits further development.

Dell, H.D., Jacobi, H., Kamp, R., Kurz, J., Wünsche, C. “[1-Methylhydantoin, an unexpected metabolite of the intelligence-affecting substance dupracetam (author's transl)].” Archiv der Pharmazie, vol. 314, no. 8, 1981, pp. 697–702. https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.19813140808.

Renal Cytotoxicity of Major Metabolite

Followup cell line studies confirm 1-methylhydantoin is cytotoxic to renal proximal tubular cells at high concentrations.

Yang, B., Liu, D., Li, C.Z., Liu, F.Y., Peng, Y.M., Jiang, Y.S. “1-Methylhydantoin cytotoxicity on renal proximal tubular cells in vitro.” Renal Failure, vol. 29, no. 8, 2007, pp. 1025–1029. https://doi.org/10.1080/08860220701641272.

Racetam Nootropic Structure and Literature

Dupracetam is referenced as a racetam-class molecule in several compendia and was compared to piracetam in earlier works.

“Dupracetam.” PubChem Compound Summary, National Center for Biotechnology Information, CID 68793, 2024. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/68793.

Safety & Side Effects

Major metabolite 1-methylhydantoin may cause renal injury at high exposure. No formal side effect or human toxicity studies for parent compound.

Human safety not established; see renal toxicity references.

Regulatory & Legal Status

US/EU/International

Not classified by FDA, EU, or Australian authorities.
Not listed as scheduled/controlled; sold as a research chemical in some jurisdictions.
No human use authorized; experimental status only.

Note: Dupracetam is not approved for any medical use. Special caution due to renal toxicity of metabolites.

History

Dupracetam’s existence and basic metabolism were published mainly in the 1980s–2000s. Today, it remains only of interest as a research chemical and racetam curiosity.

1981

Metabolism Study

2007

Renal Toxicity Paper

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Benefits

Hydantoin racetam structure for SAR studies
Research interest in metabolism/toxicity
Scientific literature in German and English

Considerations

No cognitive efficacy/published animal data
Renal toxicity risk via major metabolite
Not for human use

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Scientific References

Information is for scientific and educational use only. Not for human or clinical application. Last updated: 4/12/2025.