CYM5442 is a potent, highly-selective and orally active sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P1) receptor agonist with an EC50 of 1.35 nM. CYM5442 is inactive against S1P2, S1P3, S1P4, and S1P5. CYM5442 activates S1P1-dependent p42/p44-MAPK phosphorylation. CYM5442 exerts retinal neuroprotection. CYM5442 can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS).