Abstract: The invention relates to a compound which is effective in inhibiting the function of the TRPM4 ion channel and the use of such compound in treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in a subject. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a TRPM4 inhibitory compound. The invention further relates to in vitro methods for identifying pharmaceutically active compounds that are useful for treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease.