The compound is being developed as a new and potentially safer means of targeting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) to combat memory loss and cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders in which neural signaling is reduced or impaired, the company said.
In animal models, DG071 has been shown to significantly improve learning and long- and short-term memory at doses that offer a wide margin for safety and tolerability. The compound has the potential to eliminate the nausea that limits the utility of previous PDE4 inhibitors, said deCODE. deCODE plans to advance the clinical development of DG071 with a strategic partner.
Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE, said: “DG071 has been shown in several animal models to potently and specifically improve cognitive function, and features a much wider safety and tolerability profile than existing PDE4 inhibitors. This is encouraging, as many of the amyloid-busting therapeutics currently entering clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease have the potential to slow or stop progression of the disease but will not reverse the destruction of neurons.
“Our expectation is that DG071 will allow the remaining neurons to store and retrieve memories more efficiently. DG071 could be useful in the treatment not only of Alzheimer’s disease, but might also have benefit in Huntington’s disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, ADHD and depression.”