Small molecule inhibitor of cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative disease
This technology is an analog of the retired clinical psychotropic drug minaprine for the treatment of cognitive or behavioral disorders associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
Unmet Need: Treatment for cognitive impairment caused by neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with progressive deterioration of brain regions that are essential for cognitive and behavioral functioning. Currently, neurodegenerative diseases lack treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, current treatments primarily involve the use of atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants, which are associated with side effects that have limited their use. Identifying and developing small molecule inhibitors can assist in treating neurodegenerative diseases specifically by reducing behavioral and cognitive dysfunction and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and/or depression.
The Technology: Small molecule inhibitor for reduction of neurodegeneration-associated cognitive dysfunction
This technology identifies an analog of the retired clinical psychotropic drug minaprine—without its pharmacogenetic liability—for the treatment of cognitive or behavioral issues stemming from neurodegenerative disorders. The technology enhances serotonin receptor 2B antagonism and has been shown to reduce behavioral and synaptic dysfunction in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. The technology can ameliorate the breakdown of communication between neurons, known as synaptic dysfunction, a key contributor to the dysregulation of cell communication that manifests as cognitive or behavioral impairment associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia, and other dementias.
This technology has been validated in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Applications:
- Treat synaptic and behavioral dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease
- Treatment of neuropsychiatric, cognitive, or behavioral disorders associated with neurodegenerative disorders
- Treatment for tauopathies, Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia, and other dementias
Advantages:
- Does not have the pharmacogenetic liability of minaprine
- Beneficial effect on the long-term potentiation defects
- Protects against the impairment of spatial memory loss, as shown in models of amyloid-beta and tau elevation
- Can be used in combination with other treatments
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (WO/2024/148148)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU23096
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka