The authors postulate that the compounds' long duration of effect arises from their ability to normalize levels of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for modulating cognition. This mechanism of action contrasts with currently marketed drugs for conditions marked by impaired learning and/or memory, which can increase, but not normalize, neurotransmitters involved in cognitive processing.
"The lasting effect of our compounds demonstrates their potential to treat CNS disorders such as dementia, depression, anxiety and pain," said J. Donald deBethizy, Targacept's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Furthermore, the findings suggest that we may be able to achieve efficacy with a low, once-daily dose that minimizes side-effects. A simple, daily dosing regimen is particularly important when treating disorders that affect cognition," he added.
"Targacept's compounds act selectively on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor targets, and we anticipated this duration of effect based on extensive research of novel nicotinic compounds demonstrating sustained effects on cognition in animals," said Merouane Bencherif, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Preclinical Research. "Further, our research has shown that some of our compounds act on the primary pathways responsible for learning and memory and initiate a cascade believed to precipitate lasting cognitive enhancement," added Dr. Bencherif.
About Targacept
Targacept is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the design, discovery and development of a new class of drugs to treat multiple diseases and disorders of the central nervous system by selectively targeting neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, or NNRs. NNRs are found on nerve cells throughout the nervous system and serve as key regulators of nervous system activity. Targacept's product candidates are designed to selectively target specific NNR subtypes to promote therapeutic effects and limit or eliminate adverse side effects. Targacept has a marketed product, Inversine® (mecamylamine hydrochloride), product candidates in clinical development for cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and age associated memory impairment, pain and depression, and multiple ongoing preclinical programs.
Contacts: Alan Musso, VP and CFO
Targacept, Inc.
Tel: 336-480-2186
Email: alan.musso@targacept.com
Michelle Linn
Linnden Communications
Tel: 508-869-0138
Email: michlinn@charter.net
Journal
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences