SDI-118, a novel procognitive SV2A modulator: First-in-human randomized controlled trial including PET/fMRI assessment of target engagement.

Current treatments for progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive impairment either have limited efficacy or are lacking altogether. SDI-118 is a small molecule which modulates the activity of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in the brain and shows cognitive enhancing effects in a range of animal models of cognitive deficit. This first-in-human study evaluated safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of SDI-118 in single ascending oral doses up to 80 mg administered to 32 healthy male subjects.

Sembragiline: A Novel, Selective Monoamine Oxidase Type B Inhibitor for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Increased MAO-B expression in astroglia has been observed adjacent to amyloid plaques in AD patient brains. This phenomenon is hypothesized to lead to increased production of hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby contributing to AD pathology.

The structure of mammalian serine racemase: evidence for conformational changes upon inhibitor binding.

Serine racemase is responsible for the synthesis of D-serine, an endogenous co-agonist for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). This pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme is involved both in the reversible conversion of L- to D-serine and serine catabolism by alpha,beta-elimination of water, thereby regulating D-serine levels. Because D-serine affects NMDAR signaling throughout the brain, serine racemase is a promising target for the treatment of disorders related to NMDAR dysfunction.

Fragment-based discovery of BACE1 inhibitors using functional assays.

Novel nonpeptidic inhibitors of beta-secretase (BACE1) have been discovered by employing a fragment-based biochemical screening approach. A diverse library of 20000 low-molecular weight compounds were screened and yielded 26 novel hits that were confirmed by biochemical and surface plasmon resonance secondary assays. We describe here fragment inhibitors cocrystallized with BACE1 in a flap open and flap closed conformation as determined by X-ray crystallography.

The histamine H3 receptor as a therapeutic drug target for CNS disorders.

The histamine H3 receptor plays a regulatory role in the pre-synaptic release of histamine and other neurotransmitters, making it an attractive target for CNS indications including cognitive disorders, narcolepsy, ADHD and pain. As more and more H3 antagonists/H3 inverse agonists progress through the clinic, knowledge is gained to define the profile of the 'ideal' compound in terms of specificity, pharmacokinetic parameters and both duration and magnitude of receptor occupancy. Whether a single compound profile for the treatment of different disorders can be defined remains to be seen.