Flmodafinil — also known as bisfluoromodafinil, CRL-40,940, and lauflumide — is a synthetic eugeroic and nootropic compound developed as a next-generation analog of modafinil. Two fluorine atoms added to the modafinil backbone significantly alter its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile.
Research Disclaimer: All compounds available on Combat Research are strictly for laboratory and in vitro research purposes. They are not approved for human consumption by the FDA and should not be used for any form of in vivo experimentation.
What Is Flmodafinil?
Flmodafinil (CRL-40,940) is a bisfluoro analog of modafinil developed by the French pharmaceutical company Lafon (later Cephalon). It is structurally similar to adrafinil and modafinil but with two fluorine substituents added to the benzhydryl ring. The fluorine atoms increase lipophilicity, theorized to enhance blood-brain barrier penetration and effective potency at lower molar doses.
Mechanism of Action
1. Dopamine Reuptake Inhibition (Primary Mechanism)
Flmodafinil’s central mechanism is selective inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT). By blocking dopamine reuptake from the synaptic cleft, it increases dopaminergic tone in the striatum and prefrontal cortex. Unlike amphetamines, its DAT inhibition is selective — animal models show wakefulness promotion without locomotor hyperactivity.
2. Glutamate/GABA Modulation
Research indicates flmodafinil enhances excitatory glutamatergic transmission while inhibiting inhibitory GABAergic pathways, supporting the cognitive enhancement profile observed in animal models.
3. Enhanced Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration
Fluorine substituents increase lipophilicity, correlating with more efficient CNS penetration. Animal pharmacokinetic studies show flmodafinil achieving pharmacological effect at lower doses than modafinil.
Pharmacological Comparison: Flmodafinil vs. Modafinil
| Property | Modafinil | Flmodafinil |
|---|---|---|
| Primary mechanism | NE/orexin dominant | DAT inhibition dominant |
| Relative potency | Reference | Higher (lower effective dose in animal models) |
| Lipophilicity | Moderate | Higher (due to fluorine groups) |
| CNS penetration | Good | Enhanced |
| Oral bioavailability | ~80% | Reported higher in animal models |
Key Research Areas
Wakefulness and Sleep Disorder Models
Animal models of narcolepsy and shift-work sleep disruption show flmodafinil promotes wakefulness with a favorable side-effect profile vs. amphetamines. Research areas include narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, shift work sleep disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Cognitive Enhancement Research
Rodent models evaluate effects on working memory (radial arm maze, Morris water maze), executive function, sustained attention under sleep deprivation, and learning consolidation. Results generally show improvement consistent with the compound’s dopaminergic and glutamatergic activity.
ADHD Models
Flmodafinil’s selective DAT inhibition profile (without amphetamine-like releasing activity) makes it an interesting subject for non-stimulant ADHD pharmacology research.
Comparison to Related Compounds
vs. Modafinil: Stronger DAT affinity; higher potency in animal models at equivalent weight-based doses.
vs. Fladrafinil (CRL-40,941): Fladrafinil is a prodrug that converts in vivo; flmodafinil is the more directly active compound.
vs. Adrafinil: Adrafinil is a prodrug of modafinil; flmodafinil is structurally distinct and pharmacologically active as administered.
Current Research Status
Flmodafinil has not progressed through Phase 3 human clinical trials as of 2026. Published research: in vitro receptor binding studies (DAT affinity characterization), rodent pharmacokinetic studies, animal behavioral models, and early-phase human safety profiling. Regulatory scheduling varies by country — verify before procurement.
Research Protocols (Preclinical Reference)
| Parameter | Range in Literature |
|---|---|
| Dose (rodent models) | 16–64 mg/kg oral (vs. modafinil ~100mg/kg) |
| Administration | Oral gavage, intraperitoneal |
| Duration | Single-dose and 14-day repeat studies |
| Measured endpoints | Locomotor activity, sleep latency, cognitive tasks |
Summary
Flmodafinil is a structurally optimized eugeroic compound with well-characterized DAT inhibition, enhanced lipophilicity, and a growing research profile in wakefulness, cognitive function, and sleep disorder models. Human clinical data remains limited.
All Flmodafinil available from Combat Research is manufactured to 99%+ purity for laboratory research use only.
References:
NBINNO: Pharmacological Profile of Flmodafinil (CRL-40,940)
Wholisticresearch: Flmodafinil — Nootropic Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
