emestedastat

Xanamem (emestedastat) is a first-in-class, orally administered small molecule inhibitor of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), an enzyme that converts inactive cortisone to active cortisol within cells. By selectively inhibiting 11β-HSD1 in the brain, Xanamem reduces local cortisol production without affecting systemic adrenal cortisol synthesis. Elevated brain cortisol is implicated in cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological or psychiatric disorders. Xanamem has demonstrated high central nervous system target engagement at low doses and has shown pro-cognitive effects—particularly on attention and working memory—in clinical trials involving patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease as well as those with depressive symptoms. The drug is being developed by Actinogen Medical for indications including Alzheimer’s disease, major depressive disorder, Fragile X syndrome, and other neurological conditions characterized by dysregulated CNS cortisol[1][2][5][6][8].

Brand names

Xanamem

Other names

emestedastatUE2343UE-2343UE 2343