TC-5619
In July 2007, Targacept initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of TC-5619, a novel small molecule that modulates the activity of the neuronal nicotinic receptor (NNR) subtype known as alpha7(α7). TC-5619 was discovered using Targacept's proprietary drug design technology known as Pentad (TM) and is the lead product candidate in our α7 program.
As of November 2007, AstraZeneca elected to secure a future option for an exclusive license to TC-5619 under the terms of our collaboration agreement. AstraZeneca’s election to secure an option to license TC-5619 was triggered under the agreement by our decision to pursue its development for cognitive disorders.
The α7 NNR is associated with a variety of biological functions. In particular, the α7 NNR has been shown in animal studies to be an essential regulator of both inflammation arising from injury or infection and cognitive functions. Published in vitro studies have also suggested that the α7 NNR plays a role in protecting neuronal cells from deterioration and death, a process known as neuroprotection. The expansion of our collaboration with AstraZeneca to include TC-5619 reflects the potential of the alpha7 NNR as a therapeutic target for cognitive disorders.
