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Cortex Unlocks the Key to the Way We Think
By Justin Kuepper on Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Cortex Pharmaceuticals (CORX), a biotech company focused on treating neurological and central nervous system disorders, similar to companies like Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD), Neurocrine and Targacepthas unlocked one of the keys to controlling the human brain – ampakines.

Cortex Pharmaceuticals (OTC-BB: CORX) is a biotech company focused on treating neurological and central nervous system disorders using so-called ampakines. These unique compounds have an unusually strong and positive effect on the brain, with the hope of exhibiting fewer side-effects than any existing treatments for neurological and central nervous system disorders.

Controlling the Way We Think with Ampakines

Ampakines are synthetic compounds that have been shown, in studies conducted by the University of California Irvine, to enhance attention span and alertness, as well as to facilitate learning and memory. This is accomplished by interacting with AMPA-type glutamate receptors in the brain, which essentially mediate the fast synaptic transmission in the central nervous system – the core of the way we think.

One group of compounds, “Low-impact” ampakines can be used to significantly improve the strength of synaptic connections in the brain, while the second group, “high-impact” ampakines can also activate certain genes in the neuron, including neurotrophins – or protein growth factors that enhance the development and function of neurons, such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which can strengthen synaptic connections.

Since all areas of the brain require synaptic connections to function especially the area of the brain that controls breathing when sleeping, conditions like sleep apnea can be effectively treated by simply stimulating the neurons using ampakines.

Using Ampakines to Treat Neuro and CNS Disorders

Since ampakines do not have many of the adverse side-effects associated with other stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines, the chemical compounds are being extensively studied as a treatment for a range of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Cortex was originally focused on developing its CX717 drug, which is in Phase II clinical trials with the US FDA for the treatment of respiratory depression. However, the company sold the rights to the drug to Biovail Corporation (NYSE: BVF) for an up-front payment of $10 million and milestone payments that could total up to $15 million, in order to raise funds to support their other extensive research.

For example, the company is now keenly focused on its CX1739 compound for the treatment of sleep apnea and ADHD. During Phase I trials, the drug was well-tolerated with no adverse side-effects, and Phase II studies are now being run in patients with sleep apnea, and are being designed to test efficacy in adults with ADHD. Prior data from its CX717 drug suggest that CX1739’s efficacy in ADHD will be robust.

Cortex Gears Up to Unleash Shareholder Value

The market for Cortex’s ampakine drugs is enormous and growing, both domestically and internationally. According to company estimates, ADHD affects some 17 million adults with about $5.2 billion per year spent on treatments; Alzheimer’s disease affects seven million adults with about $6 billion per year spent on treatments; Schizophrenia affects some seven million adults with $3 billion in market potential, and sleep apnea affects some 18 million adults with $3-9 billion in potential.

The company is now well-positioned to deliver exceptional value to shareholders with potential licensing milestones from Biovail and potential future developments in CX1739, and other compounds and indications still under its control. Potential licensing of these compounds could produce additional revenues that may include ongoing royalties and milestones in addition to an up-front payment – all pointing towards significant value for shareholders.

http://biotechstocktrader.com/cortex-unlocks-the-key-to-the-way-we-think-028/