N003CG

N003CG is a small molecule anti-epileptic drug (AED) candidate developed by Nanjing Heron Pharmaceutical with the assistance of Shanghai Medicilon. It functions as a selective opener, or positive allosteric modulator, of the KCNQ2/3 (Kv7.2/Kv7.3) potassium channels. These channels are responsible for the M-current, which plays a critical role in regulating neuronal excitability and stabilizing the resting membrane potential. By enhancing the activity of these channels, N003CG helps to suppress the neuronal hyperexcitability that leads to seizures. The drug was designed to improve upon the safety and efficacy profiles of earlier KCNQ openers like retigabine. In late 2023, the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) granted Investigational New Drug (IND) approval for N003CG to proceed into clinical trials for the treatment of epilepsy.