Osanetant is a neurokinin 3

Tachykinin receptor 3

Tachykinin receptor 3, also known as TACR3, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the TACR3 gene.- Function :This gene belongs to a family of genes that function as receptors for tachykinins. Receptor affinities are specified by variations in the 5'-end of the sequence...

 receptor antagonist developed by Sanofi-Synthélabo

Sanofi-Synthélabo

Sanofi-Synthélabo was a Paris-based pharmaceutical company formed in 1999, when Sanofi merged with Synthélabo. Sanofi-Aventis was formed in 2004 when Sanofi-Synthélabo merged with Aventis.Sanofi was created in 1973....

, which is being researched for the treatment of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...

. It was the first non-peptide NK₃ antagonist developed in the mid-1990s, and has still not made it to market, although clinical trials are continuing. Another potential application for osanetant is in the treatment of drug addiction, as it has been found to block the effects of cocaine

Cocaine

Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...

in animal models.