Anavex Life Sciences Corp (AVXL)

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Differing Molecular Architectures and Functions

...why A2-73 may give better results?

Apparently a number of molecules can have, incidentally, sigma-1 receptor agonist functions, including the Alzheimer’s drug donepezil (Aricept). Primarily, donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which suppresses acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that destroys acetylcholine, a nerve substance required for nerve impulse transmission. Preservation of acetylcholine by Aricept enhances normalized brain function. It therefore, in a moderate way, ameliorates the cognitive deficits of Alzheimer’s (but only for a period).

The molecular architecture of Anavex 2-73, however, very closely (perhaps exactly) matches the binding sites of the sigma-1 receptor proteins in the neuron. It makes a strong molecular connection, a binding fit, to the cellular structures and chemistries that control, chaperone, (among other things) calcium signaling between the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondrion.

In short, the sigma-1 receptor effects of Aricept are minor and incidental. For Anavex 2-73, they are direct and firm; because of its favorable (dare I say, unique) molecular architecture. A shriveled apple/sweet orange comparison.