neflamapimod

Neflamapimod is an investigational, orally administered small molecule that selectively inhibits the alpha isoform of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPKα), a stress kinase implicated in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Originally discovered as VX-745 at Vertex Pharmaceuticals for rheumatoid arthritis, it was repurposed for central nervous system disorders due to its ability to penetrate the brain and modulate inflammation. Neflamapimod has shown potential in reversing synaptic dysfunction and improving cholinergic neuron function by inhibiting p38MAPK-driven Rab5 activity. It is being developed primarily for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), where it has demonstrated improvements in cognitive function and mobility in clinical trials. The drug is currently under development by CervoMed.

Other names

5-(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)-2-((2,4-difluorophenyl)thio)-6H-pyrimido[1,6-b]pyridazin-6-one209410-46-8