Pharmacological characterization of FC-12738: A novel retro-inverso pentapeptide for treating neuroinflammation

FC-12738, a retro-inverso pentapeptide developed by Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Inc., is currently under investigation for treating neuroinflammation associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of FC-12738, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and drug-drug interactions. Pharmacokinetics were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs following intravenous and subcutaneous administration. Our findings suggest that FC-12738 demonstrates many favorable pharmacokinetic properties, although further optimization may be required to improve CNS penetrance.