Modafinil, also known as Provigil, is a brain stimulant prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy or sleeping disorders for individuals in shift work. The drug is also widely used by truck drivers, students and pilots to suppress sleep or combat fatigue. Those who take the drug claim that there is improved concentration, memory and alertness which can last for 24-48 hours afterwards. It is said, with the help of Modafinil, one can stay awake for 90 hours without a decrease in the mental performance.

Modafinil produces a state of alertness by releasing and increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, although the excact working mechanism is not known. While similar to amphetamine in its actions, Modafinil does not affect the motor activities.

The drug has been reported to improve many other brain disorders like ADHD, Parkinson's disorder, schizophrenia, obesity, cocaine addiction and fatigue. However, in many countries Modafinil is only legally approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy and sleep apnea (sleeping disorder where the breathing is slowed or stopped for several seconds). As side effects the drug can cause skin rashes and heart problems in individuals with cardiovascular issues.

The uses of this stay awake drug are also noticed in military industry. The French Foreign Legion is known for taking advantage of Modafinil and the military government of Great Britain has made studies on the drug. The United States army has made researches on the possibility to use Modafinil for replacing the amphetamine deriatives used today.

In the year 2003, American sprinter Kelli Whit's doping test showed traces of Modafinil after winning the world championship both in 100 and 200 meter sprints. At the same year several other athletes were found to have the drug in their urine. Currently Modafinil is a banned substance on the list of World Anti-Doping Agency.

The report on application Modafinil for treatment of dependence for Cocaine has been submitted Charles A. Dackis, MD, (Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania) at annual 156-th Congress of the American Psychiatric Association in May, 2003.

The large research directed on search of an optimum way of pharmacological treatment of dependence on Cocaine has been undertaken. Agonists and antagonists of Dopaminum, antidepressants, and also preparations belonging to other classes were earlier investigated, however unequivocal proofs of their efficiency has not been found.

Modafinil, in opinion of researchers, represents a preparation which is not having stimulating action [though in some sources the opposite data] which is applied to treatment of attacks of a sleepiness in the afternoon, observed contain at a narcolepsy. This preparation is characterized by the minimal by-effects and has no potential at patients with dependence on Cocaine.

Modafinil operates mainly through system and raises a level of synthesis of an acid. The basic signs of a cancellation of Cocaine are the sleepiness, a flaccidity, the reduced mood. In researches with participation of the patients, suffering a narcolepsy, application Modafinil has allowed to lower a sleepiness in the afternoon, to achieve improvement of mood, concentration and to raise a level of activity and sensation of well-being.

Dr. Dackis in the report has informed about series of the unpublished researches of application Modafinil which is carried outby its group at university of Pennsylvania.

In the first research interaction Modafinil and Cocaine was studied. Researched receiving Modafinil in a dose of 200-400 mg Cocaine was intravenously entered, and then them investigated for presence of bent for to reception of Cocaine, effects from its reception (euphoria); physical research and cardiac telemetry was carried out also. Any toxic interactions it has not been registered; reception Modafinil blocked separate displays of effects of reception of Cocaine (attributes of rising of a metabolism, euphoria).

The second research proceeded 8 weeks and has been directed on studying of an opportunity of therapy of dependence on Cocaine Modafinil. 17 patients who except for medicamental treatment twice a week received therapy participated in research. At all researched dependence was serious to what high doses of Cocaine and an expressiveness of "discomfortable" sensations in a condition of a cancellation testify. The received data were compared to control ïëàöåáî-group of similar research of medicamental treatment of dependence on Cocaine.

Remained in research of 70 % of patients from group Modafinil and 44 % of other group. Negative analyses of urine on the maintenance of Cocaine were at 47 % of members of group Modafinil and only at 6.5 % of members of control group. In interrogation members of group Modafinil informed downstroke of a level of depression and bent for to the use of Cocaine. It was not informed serious by-effects though there were indicatings on a sleeplessness and excessive activity for some patients. Thus, it is represented to researchers Modafinil by rather promising preparation for treatment of dependence for Cocaine. Nevertheless, for confirmation of preliminary results carrying out of double blind controllable research is necessary.

When Axel Unterbeck, the president and the supervisor of studies of pharmaceutical company Memory Pharmaceuticals, showed me stretched in the north of state New Jersey extensive possession, hardly probable not it finished each piece of our long excursion by words: " Top-level! " And in electrophysiological laboratory where researchers study influence potential " stimulators of memory " on separate neurones and sections of a brain of animals, and in a vivarium where preparations are tested on adult rodents, and in halls of a pharmakokinetics where incessantly clicking and automatic devices tirelessly analyze blood samples of animals and people, everywhere - " Top-level! ".

In the beginning of 2003 company Memory Pharmaceuticals has started check on safety of the preparation intended for improvement of memory and cerebration, - bonds under name MEM 1003. This substance regulating transport of ions of calcium in neurones, is called to restore calcium equilibrium in cells of a brain at Alzheimer's disease, feebly marked deterioration of cerebration or " a vascular dementia ". " By way of a pharmakokinetics and toxicologies of test pass extremely successfully, - speaks Axel Unterbeck. - For people substance completely safely ". However more steadfast attention of experts involves in itself other preparation of the company - bond MEM 1414. It is capable to activate a molecular way which plays a key role during consolidation of memory - transformation of short-term sensations and skills into traces of a long-term memory. The major participation in this process accepts the fiber which has received name NRAA.

In the middle of 1990th T.Talli and Jerry Yin have genetically designed a special line of fruit front sights with really phenomenal photographic memory: insects are capable to be trained to carry out the certain tasks and to remember the produced skills during one experimental session whereas their "normal" relatives need for this purpose 10 sessions of training. Scientists have achieved such amazing improvement of memory due to activation of the unique gene under name NRAA. As have shown researches when animals study to carry out any task and remember formed skill, the synapses responsible for formation of a trace of memory, are reconstructed and amplify as a result of the process demanding activation of genes. Appeared, that formation of a trace of memory is accompanied by education in a cell of the molecule - intermediary. This molecule in turn "starts" education of fiber which contacts a nervous cell. In result the whole set of the genes responsible for synthesis of fibers which "complete" synapses will be activated and by that raise their efficiency. This process also underlies consolidation of a trace of memory. Fiber "Starting" it has received difficult name AMP response element binding protein (NRAA) - the fiber contacting a dependent element. The above level NRAA in a neurone, the occurs consolidation of memory faster. So business at molluscums, fruit front sights and mice, at least, is. And what at the person?

Opinion, that NRAA - the best basis for creation of " stimulators of memory ", part is far from being all scientists. The choice of this gene is not so justified from the biological point of view, is especial if the question is about mammal. In fact NRAA is in an organism everywhere. Some researchers even believe, that new preparations appear no more effective, than a coffeine. Besides NRAA - not unique way of a manipulation memory. So, known biologist Joe Z. Tsien already mentioned by us studies receptor NÌDÀ present only in a forward brain, and the attention of company Cortex Pharmaceuticals is focused on other system. " Frankly speaking, our knowledge it is insignificant are small, - admits Joe Z. Tsien. - we do not know neither principles of work of memory, nor a set of operations carried out by it. Much is known to us about genes, but precise representation about their functions is not present, it, in my opinion, and became the basic problem of all therapeutic researches ".

" Scientists one worries only: to achieve, that these preparations worked, - already long time a showing heightened interest to questions of social consequences of scientific development admits T.Talli. - whether them Will use not to destination if their clinical efficiency will prove to be true? I think, yes. In fact these medicines are capable to improve and the impellent skills necessary, for example, for game on a piano or mastering by a foreign language ". Eventually not to destination it began to be used and viagra, but it have not refused, just as have not ceased to accept Ritalin and amphetamines. However the selftreatment is dangerous, since can cause unexpected side effects. The person, for example, can have unknown alienations.

From epoch-making event when medicines of new generation will reach people, we are separated with five - ten years. And before " clever tablets " will get in drugstores, we should learn about them mass of interesting things. But by the small incident which has occurred in Princeton university where I visited Joe Z. Tsien, all can develop differently. When the scientist showed me a vivarium where well-known "mice - intellectuals" genetically designed by it contain, by us has passed the laboratory assistant. In an arm it carried the most primitive mousetrap in which two unfortunate animals sat. Joe Z. Tsien carried out a view of rodents " with the raised level of abilities ", has shaken a head and with a sigh has made: " Not such they and clever : "

Researchers from military departments already long years conduct search of agents for a stimulation of functions of a brain. Nancy Jo Wesensten from Uoltera Read Military scientific research institute is engaged in development of pharmacological preparations for rising a level of a wakefulness (so, and alertness) the soldiers compelled for a long time to do without of dream. In July, 1998 she has casually stopped at the stand of biotechnological company Cephalon and has got into conversation with its sales representative. At that time the firm just expected the sanction of Management under the control over quality food stuffs and medicines (FDA) the USA on clinical use of a preparation under international name Modafinil. Under patented name Provilig the agent is applied to treatment of a narcolepsy - a deep day time sleepiness from which suffer more than 125 thousand Americans. When it became clear, that Modafinil quite could find application in the USA army, firm Cephecon has given it for researches in the military purposes.

The described events occured five years ago. In December, 1998 FDA has resolved sale Modafinil as agents for treatment of a narcolepsy, and today this preparation is annually made for the sum more than $200 one million. And it, in opinion of some experts, much more, than is necessary living in the USA narcolepsy. " Psychiatrists in tons appoint to his patients for a raising of mood ", - speaks Helene Emsellem, heading Center on frustration of dream and a wakefulness in state Maryland. As a matter of fact, Modafinil has turned to an agent of a stimulation of cerebration, decrease of need for dream, treatments of depression, a multiple sclerosis and rising of serviceability.

But we shall return to researches Nancy Jo Wesensten. " Especially us has interested, whether has Modafinil any advantages before a coffeine which, in our opinion, rather effectively counteracts negative influence of a sleeplessness, - she speaks. - Besides the preparation is accessible to wide layers of the population and almost has no side effects ". Wesensten has lead test for 50 volunteers remaining in an awake condition within 54 hours. Later after the beginning of experiment they received 40 hours placebo, 600 mg of a coffeine (a dose equivalent to six cups of strong coffee) or one three doses Modafinil (100, 200 or 400 mg) and then carried out a series of the tests intended for an estimation of cerebration and an expressiveness of side effects of preparations.

In the highest doses (400 mg) Modafinil effectively took out weariness and restored cerebration. But precisely same action was rendered also with a coffeine. Side effects of Modafinil (as well as a coffeine) were very insignificant. " I think, that there are no bases for use Modafinil instead of a coffeine, - speaks Emsellem. - On the action of substance almost do not differ ".

Agents for rising serviceability of military men are intensively studied also by experts of the Air Forces the USA. According to the expert on frustration of dream John A. Caldwell, use of amphetamines in quality of " pills of battle readiness " for pilots was authorized even during the Second world war. In 1993 John A. Caldwell has established, that amphetamine almost completely restores serviceability of the pilots who were lead 40 hours without dream. Later the researcher has compared stimulating effects Modafinil and amphetamine and their influence on serviceability of the militarians, exposed to the compelled long sleeplessness. Modafinil effectively took out weariness and restored functions of a brain, but some examinees made sick. " I think, that eventually Modafinil application will find and official approval on use will meet with as a medicine, - the scientist speaks. - But I do not think, that it will replace our tested " a pill of battle readiness ". Amphetamine has passed set of bench tests and half-blepharons perfectly proves in fighting situations. And Modafinil meanwhile - a dark horse.

Today main "consumers" of the newest pharmacological medicines - "mice - erudites" and "rats - intellectuals". On them substances which, probably, can stimulate cerebration of the person also are approved, improve memory at patients with diseases, at victims of an insult and people with a delay of mental development. The potential market of such preparations is really huge. Only in the USA 4 million person suffers Alzheimer's disease, at 12 million the frustration known under the name " feebly marked deterioration of functions " (quite often it precedes development Alzheimer's disease) is marked, and at 76 million person is more senior than 50 years forgetfulness and more serious forms of a memory impairment is observed. Preparations Modafinil are annually sold in the USA for the sum more than $1 billion (that few any proofs of that this plant improves memory). The sales volume of this medicine in Germany exceeds a sales volume of all inhibitors of the acetylcholinesterase used for a suspension of process of a memory impairment at Alzheimer's disease, switching Aricep, Exelon and Reminyl.

Despite of an incessant stream of the information on the future revolution in creation of the preparations figuratively named one magazine " viagra for a brain ", hardly it is possible to expect in the near future their occurrence in the market. Company Cortex Pharmaceu-ticals has developed a new class of stimulators of memory under name Ampacine, presumably enlarging a level of a glutamate in a nervous tissue. Today their efficiency is checked at treatment Alzheimer's disease, feebly marked deterioration of functions and a schizophrenia.

The number of similar researches steadily grows. In the beginning of 2004 medicines for improvement the memories created in companies Helicon Therapeutics and Memory Pharmaceuticals will start to be tested. New York firm Axonyx has closely engaged in check of preparation Phenserine - the potent inhibitor of an acetylcholinesterase intended for treatment Alzheimer's disease.

The known biologist from Princeton university Joe Z. Tsien has offered companies Eurekal Pharmaceuticals from San Francisco, cooperating with scientists from Shanghai, to engage in development of preparations which would combine achievements of modern genetics with properties of the medicines used in treatment by grasses.

Though the majority of preparations of new generation will not soon meet with official approval of authorities, their possible{probable} use has already caused a strong public resonance. The chapter{head} of the Presidential Council on bioethics, philosopher - moralist Leon R. Kass counts, that " in those areas of human life where people till now reached{achieved} successes extremely due to discipline and self-feedback, the achievements received with the help of tablets, genic engineering or technical grafts, give swindle or cheapness ".

On the other hand, consumption of " stimulators of cerebration " became an integral part of a human way of life since people have started to drink coffee. If new " activators of a brain " indeed can become " cerebral viagra " and to take a strong place in our daily life there is a natural question: how such can take place and as far as their use can become wide? We shall recollect a history of previous generations of " psychomotor stimulators ", the authorities which have received in due time official approval: Donepesil and Modafinil which have been developed exclusively in the therapeutic purposes. Today these preparations many healthy people, hoping to increase accept mental serviceability. They piously trust in their miracle properties in spite of the fact that scientific proofs of it it is not found almost. As some experts hint, force of the "stimulating" action these medicines differ nothing from the products amounting our usual breakfast.