NEW CENTRALLY-ACTIVE GHRELIN AGONIST AND MEDICAL USES THEREOF

The new compound 3-(1-(2,3-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl)-1-methyl-1-(1,3,3-trimethylpiperidin -4-yl)urea monohydrochloride salt has a high capability to permeate through the blood-brain barrier and to display, at central nervous system level, a consistent ghrelin agonist activity; the compound is effective in the treatment and/or prevention of a medical condition mediated by the ghrelin receptor in the central nervous system. In particular, in experimental tests, the compound has shown high efficacy in the treatment of neurotoxic damage, with a useful combined pattern of neuroprotective effects both at central and peripheral level. The compound is further useful in the treatment of conditions which require a reduction of the heart rate. The compound is pharmacologically active at low to moderate doses, thus showing a favourable therapeutic index.