Z526

Z526 is a **novel small-molecule dithiocarbamate-like compound** developed for the treatment of **cancer-associated cachexia (CAC)**. It acts primarily by **inhibiting NF-κB signaling** and **reducing oxidative stress** in muscle and adipose tissues, which mitigates muscle atrophy, fat loss, and weight loss often observed in CAC. Z526 also modulates several metabolic pathways; it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), inhibits p38 MAPK and STAT3 (decreasing protein degradation), promotes protein synthesis (via AKT/mTOR signaling), and reduces apoptosis (by regulating the Bcl-2/BAX ratio and Caspase-3 activity). In preclinical in vitro and in vivo cancer cachexia models—including those induced by chemotherapy—Z526 improved muscle integrity, decreased fat wasting, enhanced grip strength, and prolonged survival, without apparent toxicity or negative impact on tumor growth. The drug is patented in China (CN Patent No. ZL202011100806.X) and has demonstrated a favorable preclinical safety profile, including no significant hERG channel blockade or organ toxicity[1][2][3][4][5].