[7][8] The described intention behind mesdopetam was to develop a novel dopamine D2 and D3 receptor antagonist based on agonist- rather than antagonist-like structural motifs and with agonist-like physicochemical properties (e.g., smaller molecular size, greater hydrophilicity).

[6] There is also extensive preclinical research to suggest that D3 receptor antagonists reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesia without compromising the antiparkinsonian effects of levodopa.

[3][9][6] By antagonizing D3 autoreceptors, D3 receptor antagonists like mesdopetam have been found to disinhibit dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex, ventral tegmental area, and striatum, which might be involved in the possible therapeutic benefits of these agents.

[6] Side effects of mesdopetam in clinical trials have been reported to include worsened parkinsonism, headache, fatigue, asthenia, and dissociation.

[11] In 2019, mesdopetam received an INNTooltip International Nonproprietary Name with a novel -"dopetam" suffix supposedly representing a new mechanism of action among dopamine receptor modulators.