NKS-3

NKS-3 is a potent and selective small molecule neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist developed by Nippon Kayaku. It functions by inhibiting the binding of substance P to the NK1 receptor, a mechanism primarily investigated for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Preclinical studies in animal models, including ferrets and mice, demonstrated that NKS-3 effectively inhibits substance P-induced behaviors and emetic responses. While it showed promise as an anti-emetic agent in early research, the compound does not appear to have progressed into late-stage clinical development or commercialization. Note that the code name NKS-3 has also been historically associated with early development of NK-105 (a micellar formulation of paclitaxel) and a monoclonal antibody used in natural killer cell research.