June 09, 2006
New medication in testing for Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia
This week a small drug company announced that they were entering early preliminary testing of a new potential drug for treatment of the cognitive impairment that is common in schizophrenia.
Predix Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase I clinical trial in 18 healthy adult male and female volunteers to study the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of PRX-07034, a serotonin 5-HT6 antagonist being developed for the treatment of obesity and also for cognitive impairment (associated with Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia).
"PRX-07034 is the fourth novel drug candidate emerging from our discovery platform and progressing rapidly into human clinical trials," said Michael G. Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Predix Pharmaceuticals. "This particular candidate selectively targets the serotonin 5-HT6 protein receptor, which is found primarily in the brain with little or no expression in peripheral tissues. We expect to announce the results from this Phase I trial later this year."
About PRX-07034
PRX-07034 is a novel, highly selective, small-molecule antagonist of a specific G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) known as 5-HT6. PRX-07034 has shown cognitive-enhancing properties in pre-clinical animal models of memory impairment, as well as significant reductions of both food intake and body weight in several pre-clinical animal models of obesity. Indications are that the human 5-HT6 receptor is found mainly in the central nervous system with little or no expression in peripheral tissues, which may result in selectivity in drug targeting with fewer side effects.
About Predix Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.
Predix, based in Lexington, MA, is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel, highly selective, small-molecule drugs that target G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels.
Posted by szadmin at June 9, 2006 03:00 PM
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Comments
My son is being treated with clozapine, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia via a letter from his CPN, no word from his consulant...he has put on so much weight would he be able to take part in this study
Posted by: Terry at June 11, 2006 03:50 AM
Hi Terry,
This is a very early phase of the drug trials, and very few drugs that are this early in the testing process ultimately make it to market (less than one in 10 I believe) - so its highly likely that the drug is not going to make it final public availability (as a general statement).
However, if you want to learn more about these early phase studies - you can contact the company at the link provided in the article.
B.
Posted by: szadmin at June 11, 2006 10:30 AM
Thank you, we will contact them. He is at a stage now where is he considering an alternative med and we are looking into the options available while waiting his consultant appointment
{Can i say we were looking at the alternatives before his 'diagnosis'}
Posted by: Terry at June 14, 2006 03:07 PM
I am a Social Worker with a private practice exclusive to ADHD. My client, who has been diagnosed with S. complains of his "lack of focus", unable to follow conversations, forgetfullness etc. It has led him to retreat from his peer group. I am going to investigate the possibility that he may have already had ADHD but it was never diagnosed. My thought is that the deficits that he is experiencing with attention etc. may have already been a part of his life, but never diagnosed. His current meds (Clonidine) may be exacerbating a condition already there...........what do you think? Nancy. S.
Posted by: Nancy Sweiger at June 22, 2006 04:58 PM
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My son is being treated with clozapine, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia via a letter from his CPN, no word from his consulant...he has put on so much weight would he be able to take part in this study
Posted by: Terry at June 11, 2006 03:50 AM
Hi Terry,
This is a very early phase of the drug trials, and very few drugs that are this early in the testing process ultimately make it to market (less than one in 10 I believe) - so its highly likely that the drug is not going to make it final public availability (as a general statement).
However, if you want to learn more about these early phase studies - you can contact the company at the link provided in the article.
B.
Posted by: szadmin at June 11, 2006 10:30 AM
Thank you, we will contact them. He is at a stage now where is he considering an alternative med and we are looking into the options available while waiting his consultant appointment
{Can i say we were looking at the alternatives before his 'diagnosis'}
Posted by: Terry at June 14, 2006 03:07 PM
I am a Social Worker with a private practice exclusive to ADHD. My client, who has been diagnosed with S. complains of his "lack of focus", unable to follow conversations, forgetfullness etc. It has led him to retreat from his peer group. I am going to investigate the possibility that he may have already had ADHD but it was never diagnosed. My thought is that the deficits that he is experiencing with attention etc. may have already been a part of his life, but never diagnosed. His current meds (Clonidine) may be exacerbating a condition already there...........what do you think? Nancy. S.
Posted by: Nancy Sweiger at June 22, 2006 04:58 PM