Drug intelligence / Profile preview

AEX-4

Development stage: Preclinical
Lead developer: Aexon Labs
Modality: Small Molecules

Overview

AEX-4 is a preclinical small molecule drug candidate developed by Aexon Labs for the treatment of synucleinopathies and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). It features a unique dual mechanism of action, acting as an orexin-1 receptor (OX1R) agonist while simultaneously inhibiting cathepsin B (CTSB) and cathepsin H (CTSH). This approach is designed to counteract the downregulation of OX1R associated with alpha-synuclein pathology, which is a known driver of REM sleep behavior disorder. By enhancing orexin signaling and modulating cathepsin-mediated proteolytic pathways, AEX-4 aims to provide neuroprotective effects in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Multiple System Atrophy.

Targets

CTSH (Cathepsin H)HCRTR1 (Orexin/hypocretin receptor type 1)CTSB (Cathepsin B)

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on AEX-4.

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Clinical trials

Follow clinical development from study design and recruitment through results.

Trial phase
Status
Readouts

Indications & development

Explore development by indication, patient population, and geography.

Indications
Development status
Countries

Licensing & deals

Trace asset ownership, licensing agreements, and commercial partnerships.

Partners
Deal terms
Milestones

Patents & exclusivity

Explore the patent landscape and regulatory exclusivity around an asset.

Patents
Expiration dates
Exclusivity

Competitive landscape

Compare development programs by target, modality, and indication.

Competing assets
Targets
Development stage

Research & analysis

Connect source evidence and development news to your research questions.

Publications
News
Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on AEX-4.

Explore the full profile