ABS 205: NEUROTRPHIC-LIKE AGENT

ABS-205 is an orally active small molecule drug that crosses the blood brain barrier and promotes nerve cell growth. ABS-205 exhibits nerve growth factor (NGF)-like activity. NGF and other neurotrophic protein molecules are present in the brain to protect nerve cells from injury. Aging and neurodegeneration are associated with loss of nerve cells and associated memory deficits. Neurodegeneration can be subdivided into acute and chronic disease conditions. Acute neurodegeneration occurs after stroke and trauma and results in rapid loss of nerve cells. Chronic neurodegeneration involves the loss of brain cells over many years and is associated with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Neurotrophic factors have the potential to alleviate the effects of these conditions, but are restricted by poor brain penetration. ABS-205, is an organic molecule and can therefore readily cross the blood brain barrier into brain tissue. ABS-205 also protects against memory loss in animal models and preserves the loss of nerve cell connections, which occurs with aging. ABS-205 is well tolerated by experimental animals and is not associated with overt organ toxicity.

The neurotrophic activity and memory enhancing effects of ABS-205 suggest that this compound is useful as a treatment for memory loss and neurodegeneration associated with aging, stroke, trauma, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. ABS-205 also reduces cell division.