Dianicline binds with high affinity to the rat and human alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes and displays selectivity for the alpha4beta2 nAChR. Electrophysiological experiments indicate that dianicline is a partial agonist at the human alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype. Pretreatment with dianicline reduces the dopamine-releasing and discriminative effects of nicotine. Dianicline shows activity in animal models of nicotine dependence at doses devoid of unwanted side effects typically observed with nicotine. Dianicline did not increase cigarette smoking abstinence rates beyond the initial phase of treatment. However, self-reported craving and nicotine withdrawal symptoms were reduced. The most common adverse event for subjects receiving dianicline was nausea. Other gastrointestinal disorders also tended to be more frequent in the dianicline group, including diarrhea.