Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Prevention of glial neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease -- Targeting a novel receptor to preserve neurocognitive function
MDA7 is a new compound that, by decreasing inflammation in the brain, restores memory and cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's Disease. MDA7 selectively acts on the cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptors and can reach those receptors located in the brain. This receptor increases in response to inflammation on cells that support the neurons, the microglia cells. This type of inflammation is observed with the deposit of amyloid. The inflammatory response appears to be responsible for some of the damage seen in the neighboring neurons, and also the memory loss and decrease in mental function. MDA7 is active at the CB2 receptor and decreases the release of inflammation causing molecules from the microglia cells, with a subsequent improvement in memory and cognitive function.Initial studies of MDA7 suggest that it may be a safe drug for use in humans. The proposed studies will manufacture enough MDA7 and put it in a formulation that can be used for safety studies to support an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA. In addition, the grant will support completing the animal safety studies for the IND. On completion of this work, the next steps will include submission of the IND, completion of the Phase I and Phase II studies to establish the safe dose in humans, and the effect MDA7 may have on memory and function in patients with mild Alzheimer's Disease.