Pipeline Report - Neuronal alpha 7 nicotinic receptors: Candidates for the treatment of Alzheimers disease and Schizophrenia
Neuronal alpha 7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR) ligands represent an emerging class of drug for the treatment of various CNS disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction. This report describes the proof of concept supporting the development of this class and analyzes the various different pharmacological approaches.
The report evaluates the α7nAChR pipeline. Preclinical and clinical stages candidates are identified and experimental data surrounding their development described and analyzed. In addition the companies developing these candidates are profiled.
α7nAChRs are selectively expressed in the brain, particularly in regions implicated in cognitive function and especially Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.
A large body of evidence supports the development of α7nAChR ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Nicotinic agonists support neuronal survival through α7nAChRs and may therefore counter the neurodegenerative activity of beta amyloid. In addition to being involved in neural cell death or survival, α7nAChRs is also associated with learning and memory. Receptor agonists enhance LTP, an electrophysiological correlate of memory. In animal models of Alzheimer’s disease α7nAChR agonists have also been shown to improve memory. Most compelling are recent clinical data demonstrating improved cognition in patients treated with MEM 3454.
Preclinical and clinical data also exist to suggest that α7nAChR ligands have a role in the treatment of schizophrenia. In particular, schizophrenia is associated with defective inhibitory pathways and hence gating. α7nAChR stimulation enhances inhibitory GABAergic pathways. Most recently GTS-21 has been shown to improve RBANS score in a phase 2 study of schizophrenia patients.
Although the α7nAChR is primarily associated with CNS function it is required for cholinergic inhibition of macrophage TNF release and thus mediates the anti-inflammatory effect of vagal stimulation.
A number of pharmacological options exist for the development of α7nAChR ligands. Most promising are partial agonists and allosteric modulators. Not enough information exists yet to support the development of antagonists. Allosteric modulators are most promising for the treatment of schizophrenia. Partial agonists and allosteric modulators may both be of use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease although allosteric modulators may have less impact as endogenous acetylcholine levels drop with neurodegeneration.
CoMentis leads the α7nAChR development field with GTS-21. The molecule has demonstrated efficacy in schizophrenia providing proof of concept for the approach. The eventual success of GTS-21 may be negatively impacted by is dosing requirements. LeadDiscovery believes that Memory Pharmaceuticals’ is more likely to succeed with MEM 3454 which has the developmental support of Roche.
Six phase 1 candidates have been described, most of which are stated or are assumed to be partial agonists. In contrast Targacept’s TC-5619 is a full agonist with the interesting and potentially competitive advantage of having antipsychotic activity.
At least 8 preclinical stage programs have been reported. Of note NeuroSearch are developing a first in class positive allosteric modulator of the α7-nAChR, a mechanism of action that may offer advantages in certain circumstances over the rest of the pipeline. Pfizer have a compound in development which combines both modulation and agonist activity
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Nicotinic receptors – An introduction
- The role of α7 nicotinic receptors in Alzheimer's disease
i. Neuroprotective role of nicotinic receptor stimulation
ii. Nootropic activity
iii. Pharmacological options for the development of α7 nAChR ligands as Alzheimer’s disease candidates
iv. Pure agonists
v. Partial Agonists
vi. Antagonists
vii. Allosteric Modulator
b. The role of α7 nicotinic receptors in schizophrenia
i. α7 nAChR ligands as candidate schizophrenia candidates: Pharmacological options
3. Marketed & Pipeline α7-nAChR ligands
a. Pipeline Development
i. Phase 2 – Two Clinical Candidates
ii. Phase 1 – Four Candidates
iii. Preclinical – Six Candidates
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