CVN293

CVN293 is a potent, selective, and brain-permeable small molecule inhibitor of the two-pore domain potassium channel KCNK13 (also known as THIK-1), which is selectively expressed in microglia within the central nervous system. By inhibiting KCNK13, CVN293 blocks potassium efflux required for activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby reducing production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β in microglia. This mechanism allows CVN293 to dampen neuroinflammation without affecting peripheral immune function. The drug is being developed by Cerevance for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by neuroinflammation—including Parkinson’s disease (as both adjunctive and monotherapy), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and age-related macular degeneration. Clinical studies have shown that CVN293 achieves high CNS exposure with favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].