Pharmaceutical Business review

Predix moves obesity and memory compound into phase I

PRX-07034 is the fourth novel drug candidate from Preix’ drug discovery platform to progress into human clinical trials. It is a novel, highly selective, small-molecule antagonist of a specific G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) known as 5-HT6. PRX-07034 has shown cognitive-enhancing properties in preclinical animal models of memory impairment, as well as significant reductions of both food intake and body weight in several preclinical animal models of obesity.

Indications are that the human 5-HT6 receptor is found mainly in the central nervous system, with little or no expression in peripheral tissues, which may result in selectivity in drug targeting with fewer side effects.

The phase I trial will evaluate PRX-07034 in 18 healthy adults. Predix anticipates being able to announce results from the trial later this year.