TESP-0401

TESP-0401 (also known as TES-AKI-01) is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme α-amino-β-carboxymuconate-ε-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD), developed by TES Pharma for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI). ACMSD is a critical enzyme in the kynurenine pathway that diverts intermediates away from de novo NAD+ biosynthesis. By inhibiting ACMSD, TESP-0401 promotes the production of NAD+, which is often depleted during renal stress and pathophysiological conditions. This mechanism aims to restore NAD+ homeostasis, thereby protecting the kidneys from injury and supporting functional recovery. Preclinical studies have demonstrated efficacy in animal models of AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion and chemotoxicity. TES Pharma plans to initiate first-in-human clinical trials for TESP-0401 in 2026.