URB597

URB597 is a relatively selective fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor with IC50 of 4.6 and 0.5 nM in brain membranes and intact neurons, respectively. FAAH is the primary degradatory enzyme for the endocannabinoid anandamide and, as such, inhibition of FAAH leads to an accumulation of anandamide in the CNS and periphery where it activates cannabinoid receptors. URB597 ?produced measurable antidepressant and analgesic effects by increasing endocannabinoids. URB597 ?shows both anti-nociceptive and anxiolytic effects in vivo but not evokes other symptoms associated with cannabinoid-like compounds. Hence, URB597 may provide a new strategy for the treatment of pain and anxiety.