xaliproden

Xaliproden is an orally active, synthetic small molecule that acts as a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) 1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonist with neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties[2][3][6]. Its mechanism of action involves activation of the 5-HT1A receptor, which leads to stimulation of neuronal cell differentiation and proliferation and inhibition of neuronal cell death; this may occur through mimicking or stimulating the synthesis of neurotrophins[1][2][6]. Xaliproden was developed primarily for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease. Although it reached Phase III clinical trials for these indications, development was discontinued due to insufficient efficacy in improving cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and only modest effects in ALS[3]. It has also been investigated for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy[3].

Other names

Xaliproden hydrochloride