Fosgonimeton, a novel, small molecule positive modulator of the HGF/MET system is neuroprotective in primary neuron culture

Positive modulation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET system may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Activation of the HGF/MET system induces neuroprotective effects that counteract neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress‐induced damage, all pathological hallmarks of neurodegeneration. Herein, we investigated the in vitro neuroprotective potential of fosgonimeton (ATH‐1017), a novel, small molecule positive modulator of the HGF/MET system that has demonstrated neurotrophic and pro‐cognitive effects in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we assayed several novel compounds with related activity to fosgonimeton to establish the neuroprotective effects of a series of HGF/MET positive modulators.