The loss of these connections may be, in part, responsible for memory and behavior problems in Alzheimer's disease, neurological disorders, and even aging. Research data suggests that ampakine molecules may improve neurotransmitter deficiencies implicated in schizophrenia, Huntington’s disease, fragile X syndrome, and Rhett's syndrome.
Cortex is developing two classes of AMPAKINE drugs: Low and High impact compounds. , CX717 is an example of a Low impact AMPAKINE drugs, which is currently in human clinical trials, and high-impact molecules which are currently in lead optimization and are currently being tested in transgenic animal models for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases . The two classes of AMPAKINE drugs operate at different binding sites on the AMPA_type glutamate receptor.
Cortex has partnered with several leading pharmaceutical companies for specific therapeutic applications of ampakines. The company has an alliance with Organon Biosciences (soon to be part of Schering-Plough) for AMPAKINE -based treatment of schizophrenia and depression, and with Les Laboratoires Servier.
The study of AMPAKINE drugs in respiratory depression opens a new chapter in the development of this class of therapeutics, and a potentially significant breakthrough in how medication for pain, analgesia, and sedation are used. "Ampakines may allow for improved safety and a more effective use of opiate analgesics and barbiturate sedatives," Dr
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Contact: Mark Varney
mvarney@cortexpharm.com
949-231-0672
Cortex Pharmaceuticals
4-Jun-2007