NXY-059 (Cerovive) is the disulfonyl derivative of the neuroprotective spin trap phenylbutynitrone(PBN), both NXY-059, its parent PBN and their hydrolysis/oxidation product MNT are very powerful scavengers of free radicals.

NXY-059 is more soluble than the spin trapping agent α-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN).In an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, 250 mM of NXY-059 administered at the onset or up to 4 h after oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) produces a significant reduction in the increased BBB permeability caused by OGD. Furthermore, OGD produces a huge influx of tissue plasminogen activator across the BBB, which is substantially reduced by NXY-059.