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Joined together by JNK
April 2012
EDIT CONNECT
SHARING OPTIONS:
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the
loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a part of the brain
involved in
motor control. The
dopamine-transmitting neurons of the substantia nigra are responsible for
inhibiting motor behaviors. As a result, the loss of
these neurons renders
those with Parkinson's disease unable to control their motor movements.
JNKs have been implicated in cell death through inhibition
of the JNK pathways. SR 3306 can potentially protect the brain against cell
death
that is characteristic of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative
disorders.
Lead
researcher Dr. Philip LoGrasso, a professor in the Department
of Molecular Therapeutics and senior director of drug discovery at Scripps'
Jupiter,
Fla., campus, has been studying the effects of SR 3306 for several
years and recently published his findings in the American Chemical Society
journal Chemical Neuroscience. His
results show that small doses of the drug produced a
marked increase in neuron
survival in cell cultures and animal models.
"It was a surprise
that that level of neuroprotection
reduced the behavioral impact so strongly," LoGrasso says, "but it's indicative
of how it might perform in human
patients. While SR-3306 doesn't represent a
cure, it does appear to have the potential of stopping the progression of the
disease."
Increasing the drug's market potential is its ability to be
administered orally, as well as the success it has
had in preventing neuron
death in a rat model that mimics the physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
"These studies present compelling data on the first oral,
brain-penetrating inhibitor to show significant efficacy in preventing
neurodegeneration in both mouse and rat models of Parkinson's disease," says
LoGrasso.
Executives at OPKO are equally enthusiastic about the
potential SR 3306 has as a therapeutic for Parkinson's.
"We are excited to be working with Dr. LoGrasso and the
Scripps Research Institute to develop this important compound which
could
prevent the progression of Parkinson's disease, and not just treat the symptoms
of the disease," says Dr. Phillip Frost, chairman and CEO of
OPKO.
Though development of SR 3306 at OPKO is just beginning, the
discovery presents a promising avenue for
treating Parkinson's disease, a
condition that, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, affects more
than 60,000 Americans and as many as 10 million people worldwide. According to
LoGrasso, "This
licensing agreement will help ensure that the development of
this promising compound keeps moving forward. This is one of the best
opportunities we
have for the development of an effective neuroprotective
treatment for Parkinson's patients."
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. Code: E041223 Back |
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