Coluracetam (code name BCI-540; formerly MKC-231) is a nootropic agent of the racetam family. It was initially developed and tested by the Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation for Alzheimer's disease. After the drug failed to reach endpoints in its clinical trials it was in-licensed by BrainCells Inc for investigations into major depressive disorder (MDD). Like most racetam compounds, Coluracetam increases choline uptake, but it also increases uptake in damaged neurons. Specifically, Coluracetam interacts with the HACU process, which is responsible for absorbing choline into the neurons. This increased uptake occurs during the Acetylcholine synthesis process. Since Coluracetam improves choline preservation during this process, a larger amount is converted into Acetylcholine. This results in increased memory, attention and alertness. It is important to note here, that these benefits were only seen in subjects with previously impaired neurons, not in subjects with normally functioning neurons. Coluracetam is also shown to improve AMPA potentiation, which is a process that triggers cognitive function and alertness. Although Coluracetam interacts with choline transporters as well, there isn’t enough evidence to explain why or how this interaction occurs, or what occurs after the interaction. Coluracetam has been in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of major depression and anxiety. However, this research has been discontinued.