DPTIP -proagent 18 (P18) is a orally active and brain-penetrable proagent of DPTIP. DPTIP -proagent 18 is a potent nSMase2 inhibitor. DPTIP -proagent 18 significantly inhibits IL-1β-induced EV (extracellular vesicle) release by inhibition of nSMase2 (neutral sphingomyelinase-2) activity. DPTIP -proagent 18 can be used for brain injury research.