EKZ-438

EKZ-438 is a **tool compound** and selective **HDAC6 inhibitor** used in research settings as a *predecessor* to Eikonizo Therapeutics' clinical lead candidate EKZ-102. It is designed to inhibit **histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6)** with high selectivity and CNS penetration. In preclinical models of **amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)** and **frontotemporal dementia (FTD)**, EKZ-438 demonstrated correction of defective proteostasis, reduction in mislocalized TDP-43 protein (a known abnormality in ALS and about half of FTD), rescue of SOD1 defects, improvement in motor function, and reduction in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. EKZ-438 is not itself planned for clinical development but serves as a structurally and mechanistically validated reference for future HDAC6 inhibitors targeting neurodegenerative proteinopathies[1][3].