NLX-204

NLX-204
Clinical data
Other names	NLX204
Drug class	Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor biased agonist
Identifiers
	IUPAC name (3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-[4-fluoro-4-[(2-pyridin-2-yloxyethylamino)methyl]piperidin-1-yl]methanone;
CAS Number	2170405-10-2;
PubChem CID	132256735;
ChemSpider	88296509;
ChEMBL	ChEMBL4753328;
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C20H22ClF2N3O2
Molar mass	409.86 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
	SMILES C1CN(CCC1(CNCCOC2=CC=CC=N2)F)C(=O)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)F)Cl;
	InChI InChI=1S/C20H22ClF2N3O2/c21-16-13-15(4-5-17(16)22)19(27)26-10-6-20(23,7-11-26)14-24-9-12-28-18-3-1-2-8-25-18/h1-5,8,13,24H,6-7,9-12,14H2; Key:ZMEGJWWPDKBOER-UHFFFAOYSA-N;

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.