Discovery of HN37 as a Potent and Chemically Stable Antiepileptic Drug Candidate.

We previously reported that P-retigabine (P-RTG), a retigabine (RTG) analogue bearing a propargyl group at the nitrogen atom in the linker of RTG, displayed moderate anticonvulsant efficacy. Recently, our further efforts led to the discovery of (pynegabine), which demonstrated satisfactory chemical stability upon deleting the ortho liable -NH group and installing two adjacent methyl groups to the carbamate motif. exhibited enhanced activation potency toward neuronal Kv7 channels and high efficacy in a range of pre-clinical seizure models, including the maximal electroshock test and a 6 Hz model of pharmacoresistant limbic seizures. With its improved chemical stability, strong efficacy, and better safety margin, has progressed to clinical trial in China for epilepsy treatment.