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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

High-throughput Screening for Small-molecule Modulators of Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels
Published on: January 27, 2013
Discovery of CVN293, a Brain Permeable KCNK13 (THIK-1) Inhibitor Suitable for Clinical Assessment
Roland W Bürli1, Kevin J Doyle1, Louise Dickson1
1Cerevance Limited, 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, CB4 0PZ, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The potassium (K+) ion channel KCNK13 is specifically expressed in human microglia with elevated expression observed in post-mortem human brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease. Modulation of KCNK13 activity by a small-molecule inhibitor is proposed as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we describe the evolution of a series of KCNK13 inhibitors derived from a high-throughput screening campaign, resulting in CVN293, a potent, selective, and brain permeable clinical candidate molecule. CVN293 demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibition of the NLRP3-inflammasome mediated production of IL-1β from LPS-primed murine microglia. Cross-species pharmacokinetic data of CVN293 are also disclosed. These findings support the advancement of CVN293 in clinical trials.
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