Required are: a compound having high affinity for an emopamil binding protein; and a method for activating or inhibiting the emopamil binding protein, using such a compound. According to the present invention, provided is an emopamil binding protein binding agent comprising an alkyl ether derivative represented by the following formula [1] or a salt thereof: wherein R1 and R2, which are the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl group, etc.; R3 represents an optionally protected hydroxyl group, etc.; and m and n, which are the same or different, each represent an integer of 1 to 6.