spaglumic acid

Spaglumic acid is the β-aspartyl isoform of N-acetyl-l-aspartylglutamate (NAAG), a naturally occurring peptide neurotransmitter and the third-most-prevalent neurotransmitter in the mammalian nervous system[1][2][3][7]. It is used primarily as a mast cell stabilizer in ophthalmic preparations for allergic conjunctivitis and is approved under the brand names Naabak (Portugal) and Naaxia (Greece)[1][2][3]. Its mechanism involves stabilizing mast cells by inhibiting specific calcium channels to prevent degranulation and subsequent release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators[1][6]. In addition to its antiallergic effects, spaglumic acid acts as a weak activator of NMDA receptors and a highly selective agonist for metabotropic glutamate receptor type 3 (mGluR3), with neuroprotective properties under certain conditions[3][7].

Brand names

NaabakNaaxia

Other names

N-Acetyl-l-aspartylglutamateAcide spaglumiqueSpaglumic acid [INN]NAAG