RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc (RSPI)

[gfp927z]

One obvious question is whether a BP deal for CX-717/N.Amer ADHD/Neurodegenerative might also include CX-929, or whether Cortex will do a separate deal for CX-929 later. Cortex could get CX-929 through phase 2a in-house, and thus maximize its value.

As Neuro suggested, a more aggressive strategy would be for Cortex to attempt to do a deal with someone like Shire for CX-717/ADHD only (carving out Neurodegeneration). In that case, CX-929/Neurodegeneration would represent another potential big BP deal payday for Cortex several years down the road. But if Cortex is still planning to do the late stage in-licensed strategy, then they probably don't think they can carve out Neurodegeneration.

I'm still not all that enthused about the late stage in-licensing idea, although I can see the rationale for it if Cortex's post-BP deal cupboard is bare. Some potential alternative ideas might include -- 1) Neurodegeneration carve out for CX-929, or 2) Narcolepsy/Sleep Related carveout for CX-717 or a backup. From the wording of today's press release however, it sounds like the late stage non-Ampakine in-licensing strategy is most likely, which is a shame on one level, though it does have some merits.