SKL20540

SKL20540 (also known as SKL-N05) is a small molecule positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), developed by SK Biopharmaceuticals. It is primarily being investigated for the treatment of schizophrenia, with a specific focus on addressing cognitive impairment and negative symptoms (such as apathy and social withdrawal) that are often inadequately managed by standard dopamine-targeting antipsychotics. By enhancing mGluR5 activity, SKL20540 indirectly modulates NMDA receptor function, which is hypothesized to be deficient in schizophrenia pathology. The compound has demonstrated anti-amnesic effects and improvements in social interaction in preclinical models and is currently in Phase 1 clinical development.