[2][1] This is unlikely to influence the oxytocin receptor-related behavioral effects of LIT-001, as V2 receptors are not expressed in the brain.

[1][2][3] It was the first small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonist to be shown to reduce social dysfunction in animals.

[1][3][4] In the case of oxytocin, the amount estimated to enter the cerebrospinal fluid is only 0.002% with subcutaneous injection and at most 0.005% with intranasal administration, its half-life is only about 20 to 60 minutes, and it is not orally bioavailable, all of which greatly limit its potential usefulness as a central nervous system-acting medication.

[5][6] It is similar in structure to the earlier small-molecule oxytocin receptor agonists TC OT 39 and WAY-267,464.

[1][2] LIT-001 is reported to be in the preclinical stage of development for potential treatment of autistic spectrum disorders in France.