(TRGT) Targacept has developed what they trademark as NNR Therapeutics or neuronal nicotinic receptors. The company is dedicated to the discovery and early development of compounds that interact with nicotine receptors in the human nervous system to treat such diseases as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Tourette's Syndrome, schizophrenia and others.
Therapeutic Applications of Nicotine
Nicotine's beneficial effects on learning, memory and other physiological and behavioral endpoints have been well documented in scientific literature. Some studies reported that smokers had a lower incidence rate of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. It was also thought that nicotine could have a beneficial effect on schizophrenia.
Dvelopment of Novel Nicotinic Therapeutics
Companies like Targacept and Forum Pharmaceuticals (previously EnVivo), have worked to discover and develop nicotine-like therapeutic compounds that could be suitable for humans without the side effects of increase in heart rate, blood pressure and nausea.
Current Trials
Targacept Alzheimer's Phase 2 Trial
- Ongoing with top line results mid 2014.
Targacept Schizophrenia Phase 2 Trial
- Ongoing with top line results Dec. 13 or Jan. 2014.
Forum Alzheimer's Phase 3 Trial
- Still recruiting
The primary outcome measure in the Alzheimer trials above is the change from baseline in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale 13-item, or (ADAS-Cog-13). ADAS-Cog-13 helps evaluate cognition and differentiates between normal cognitive functioning and impaired cognitive functioning.
Note that neither company or trial above is seeking a cure for Alzheimer's or Schizophrenia, but trying to improve cognition and dementia with their treatment for a given period of time, above the current standard of care.
Therapeutic Applications of Nicotine
Nicotine's beneficial effects on learning, memory and other physiological and behavioral endpoints have been well documented in scientific literature. Some studies reported that smokers had a lower incidence rate of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. It was also thought that nicotine could have a beneficial effect on schizophrenia.
Dvelopment of Novel Nicotinic Therapeutics
Companies like Targacept and Forum Pharmaceuticals (previously EnVivo), have worked to discover and develop nicotine-like therapeutic compounds that could be suitable for humans without the side effects of increase in heart rate, blood pressure and nausea.
Current Trials
Targacept Alzheimer's Phase 2 Trial
- Ongoing with top line results mid 2014.
Targacept Schizophrenia Phase 2 Trial
- Ongoing with top line results Dec. 13 or Jan. 2014.
Forum Alzheimer's Phase 3 Trial
- Still recruiting
The primary outcome measure in the Alzheimer trials above is the change from baseline in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale 13-item, or (ADAS-Cog-13). ADAS-Cog-13 helps evaluate cognition and differentiates between normal cognitive functioning and impaired cognitive functioning.
Note that neither company or trial above is seeking a cure for Alzheimer's or Schizophrenia, but trying to improve cognition and dementia with their treatment for a given period of time, above the current standard of care.
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