HK3

HK3 is a first-in-class small molecule thioacrylamide compound that acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor. Developed by researchers in Düsseldorf, Germany, HK3 is being investigated for its potential to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and hepatic fibrosis. The drug leverages GABAergic signaling to exert hepatoprotective effects. In preclinical studies using human 3D spheroid models, HK3 has demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, decrease the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8, and lower levels of pro-collagen type 1α1 (pro-COL1A1), suggesting a multi-pronged therapeutic effect against steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.