VK-12

VK-12 is a small molecule drug candidate being developed by Alterity Therapeutics in collaboration with Vanderbilt University. It belongs to a class of compounds known as Metal-Protein Attenuating Compounds (MPACs). VK-12 is designed to treat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease and other alpha-synucleinopathies, by targeting the pathological aggregation of alpha-synuclein and modulating labile iron levels in the brain. By preventing the formation of toxic protein aggregates and reducing iron-mediated oxidative stress, VK-12 aims to provide neuroprotection and slow the progression of nervous system diseases. The compound was identified through a drug discovery program focused on identifying new treatments for Parkinsonian disorders.