Empagliflozin → Parkinsons Disease

Original Indication

Type 2 Diabetes

Proposed New Indication

Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects in a rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. It improves motor function, preserves neuronal structures, restores dopamine levels, reduces alpha-synuclein aggregation, and suppresses microglial activation.

Proposed Mechanism

Targets: NLRP3_Inflammasome, Caspase-1, IL-1beta, Gasdermin_D, alpha-Synuclein, Microglial_Activation

Empagliflozin downregulates the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway and reduces gasdermin D expression, thereby inhibiting pyroptotic cell death and neuroinflammation.

Evidence

Level: in vivo (rat model)

Source: Empagliflozin Halts NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Neurodegeneration in Parkinson's Disease in a Rotenone Rat Model. Eur J Pharmacol. 2026 Apr 15;1021:178831.

Reference: PubMed 41933870

Repurposing Score