NLX-204 is a drug that as of 2026 is being evaluated to treat depression. It is a selective biased agonist of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, distinguished by its preference for activating ERK1/ERK2 phosphorylation pathways. This compound has demonstrated potent and rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models, with activity comparable to ketamine in reversing symptoms of depression and treatment-resistant depression in rodents. Recent studies suggest that NLX-204 also offers potential benefits reversing memory deficits and anxiety, positioning it as a candidate for a rapid-acting antidepressant therapy.
Chemistry
Synthesis NLX-204 is synthesized from 3-chloro-4-fluorobenzoic acid. Conversion to the corresponding benzoyl chloride followed by amidation with 4-piperidone yields a benzoylpiperidone intermediate. A Darzens reaction with chloroacetonitrile produces a cyanoepoxide, which undergoes regioselective ring opening with poly(hydrogen fluoride)pyridine to form a cyanohydrin. Final reductive amination with 2-(pyridin-2-yloxy)ethanamine in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride affords NLX-204.
See also F-15599 (NLX-101) Befiradol (F-13640; NLX-112) NLX-266 TMU4142
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