MD08

MD08 is an indole-piperazine based α-ketoamide derivative that acts as a dual modulator of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein aggregation. Developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), MD08 inhibits Aβ42 fibrillization and heparin-induced tau aggregation in vitro. In preclinical studies, MD08 demonstrated moderate blood-brain barrier permeability and dose-dependently improved cognitive function, recognition memory, and learning abilities in Aβ-induced cognitive decline mouse models. Its highest dose (10 mg/kg) showed efficacy comparable to the standard drug donepezil without causing cytotoxicity or motor coordination impairment.