KARI 201

KARI 201 is a dual-action small molecule drug that functions as both a selective and competitive inhibitor of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM, also known as sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1) and as an agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHSR). It exhibits high brain penetrance, excellent pharmacokinetic properties, and high metabolic stability. KARI 201 was developed for potential use in Alzheimer's disease by addressing multiple neuropathological features including amyloid-beta deposition, neuroinflammation, autophagy dysfunction, and impaired neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Preclinical studies have shown that KARI 201 can restore hippocampal neurogenesis, improve synaptic plasticity, and improve memory function in models of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a multifaceted neurotherapeutic agent[1][3][5][7].