The Anavex sigma-1 receptor agonists, Anavex 2-73 (blarcamesine) and Anavex 3-71, are shaped like none of the other, less favorable sigma-1 receptor agonists (those mentioned in the article).
Understand, small proteins (such as the sigma-1 receptor) are flexible, malleable; able to be re-shaped or re-configured by the interplay of the multiple adhesive forces between the protein and any attached ligands, other properly-fitting molecules (such as those of Anavex).
In cellular biochemistry, shape is everything. When a modulating molecule such as the sigma-1 receptor is bent out of its properly-functioning shape (which apparently can happen with age or genetic factors), chemical reactions controlled or modulated by the molecule don't happen as often or as thoroughly. In the case of neurons with poorly-shaped sigma-1 receptor proteins, various pathologies result (including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease dementia, and Rett syndrome). The Anavex molecules bind to the sigma-1 receptor proteins, and thereby re-shape them to full chemical functionality, allowing them to subsequently modulate a variety of ensuing chemical reactions and processes, all of which restore chemical homeostatic processes within the neuron. The neuron is reverted to a more youthful, more fully functional status.
It's the shape. Simply, the Anavex molecules shape things up inside aging or genetically mal-affected neurons.
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