RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc (RSPI)

[DewDiligence]

Novartis

Scanning NVS’ ample 2Q06 PR (#msg-12063627), it struck me that, for a company of its size, NVS is not exactly a powerhouse in the neuro arena.

In cardiology, NVS has a $4B mega-blockbuster (Diovan) and two blockbusters in waiting (Galvus and Rasilez). In oncology, NVS has two more blockbusters (Gleevec and Zometa).

But in neurology, NVS is sort of an also-ran. They have a couple of medium-sized drugs for epilepsy; Exelon for AD, which is a laggard in the category; a pill for MS in the pipeline; and what’s left of the Ritalin franchise.

Is NVS interested in Ampakines? If not, why aren’t they?