Hopantenic acid

Hopantenic acid, also known as N-pantoyl-GABA, is a central [nervous system] depressant. Formulated as the calcium salt, it is used as a pharmaceutical drug in the Russian Federation for a variety of neurological, psychological and psychiatric conditions and sold as Pantogam.

Chemistry

Hopantenic acid is a homologue of pantothenic acid. While pantothenic acid is the amide of D-pantoate and β-alanine, hopantenic acid is the amide of D-pantoate and γ-aminobutyric acid. This change leads to an additional CH₂ in the molecule.