Ngx-267

Due to its mechanism of action, NGX267 may be simultaneously effective in treating the memory and cognitive disturbances experienced by Alzheimer's patients and in reducing the creation of neurotoxic proteins, thereby delaying disease progression.

NGX267 has been shown to stimulate M1 receptors in a fashion analogous to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and cognitive function that is depleted when neurons, or brain cells, degenerate. The M1 receptor plays an important role in memory and cognitive processing. Its activation has also been linked to decreases in two biochemical processes, AB production and tau protein phosphorylation, both of which are involved in the creation of the neurofibrillary tangles and amyloidplaques that are major histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. By selectively enhancing M1 cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain, NGX267 may offer advantages over current therapies for Alzheimer's disease due to the relative preservation of this system in patients who are clinically symptomatic.

Drugs that bind to and activate muscarinic cholinergic receptors (RECEPTORS, MUSCARINIC). Muscarinic agonists are most commonly used when it is desirable to increase smooth muscle tone, especially in the GI tract, urinary bladder and the eye. They may also be used to reduce heart rate.