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Evans R, Kimura H, Nakashima M, Ishikawa T, Yukitake H, Suzuki M, Hazel J, Faessel H, Wu J, Hang Y, Alexander R, Rosen L, Hartman DS, Ratti E. Orexin 2 receptor-selective agonist danavorexton (TAK-925) promotes wakefulness in non-human primates and healthy individuals. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13878. [PMID: 36934366 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
The orexin 2 receptor-selective agonist danavorexton (TAK-925) has been shown to produce wake-promoting effects in wild-type mice, narcolepsy-model mice, and individuals with narcolepsy type 1 and type 2. Here, we report wake-promoting effects of danavorexton in non-human primates and healthy men during their sleep phase. Electroencephalogram analyses revealed that subcutaneous administration of danavorexton significantly increased wakefulness in common marmosets (p < 0.05 at 0.1 mg kg-1 , and p < 0.001 at 1 mg kg-1 and 10 mg kg-1 ) and cynomolgus monkeys (p ≤ 0.05 at 1 mg kg-1 and 3 mg kg-1 ). In a phase 1b crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and active-controlled study in sleep-deprived healthy participants (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03522506), modafinil 300 mg (used to demonstrate assay sensitivity) and continuous infusion of danavorexton 44 mg and danavorexton 112 mg showed statistically superior wake-promoting effects to placebo (n = 18). Measured using the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, mean (standard deviation) sleep latencies during infusion of danavorexton 44 mg, danavorexton 112 mg and placebo were 21.4 (8.9), 31.8 (3.2) and 9.2 (6.4) min, respectively. Least-squares mean difference from placebo in average sleep latency was 16.8 min with danavorexton 44 mg and 30.2 min with danavorexton 112 mg (both p < 0.001). Karolinska Sleepiness Scale scores were statistically significantly lower (indicating decreased sleepiness) for participants receiving danavorexton than for those receiving placebo during infusion (danavorexton 44 mg, p = 0.010; danavorexton 112 mg, p < 0.001). Together, these results indicate that an orexin 2 receptor agonist increases wakefulness in non-human primates and healthy individuals during their sleep phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Evans
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Haruhide Kimura
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masato Nakashima
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishikawa
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yukitake
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Motohisa Suzuki
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - James Hazel
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hélène Faessel
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jingtao Wu
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yaming Hang
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Alexander
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Rosen
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deborah S Hartman
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emiliangelo Ratti
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Lim YY, Kong J, Maruff P, Jaeger J, Huang E, Ratti E. Longitudinal Cognitive Decline in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2022; 9:178-183. [PMID: 35098989 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2021.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sensitive cognitive assessments accurately detect and track cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The Cogstate battery was used to measure cognitive change in cognitively normal participants and in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease enrolled in the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Rate of Change Substudy. Over 18 months, verbal episodic memory performance declined for mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzeheimer's disease groups when compared to cognitively normal participants. Frequent assessments of episodic memory may facilitate early detection of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Y Lim
- Yen Ying Lim, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, 18 Innovation Walk, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia, , Ph: +61 4 3387 3222
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Burns DK, Alexander RC, Welsh-Bohmer KA, Culp M, Chiang C, O'Neil J, Evans RM, Harrigan P, Plassman BL, Burke JR, Wu J, Lutz MW, Haneline S, Schwarz AJ, Schneider LS, Yaffe K, Saunders AM, Ratti E. Safety and efficacy of pioglitazone for the delay of cognitive impairment in people at risk of Alzheimer's disease (TOMMORROW): a prognostic biomarker study and a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2021; 20:537-547. [PMID: 34146512 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of people at risk of cognitive impairment is essential for improving recruitment in secondary prevention trials of Alzheimer's disease. We aimed to test and qualify a biomarker risk assignment algorithm (BRAA) to identify participants at risk of developing mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease within 5 years, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose pioglitazone to delay onset of mild cognitive impairment in these at-risk participants. METHODS In this phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, we enrolled cognitively healthy, community living participants aged 65-83 years from 57 academic affiliated and private research clinics in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA. By use of the BRAA, participants were grouped as high risk or low risk. Participants at high risk were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive oral pioglitazone (0·8 mg/day sustained release) or placebo, and all low-risk participants received placebo. Study investigators, site staff, sponsor personnel, and study participants were masked to genotype, risk assignment, and treatment assignment. The planned study duration was the time to accumulate 202 events of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease in White participants who were at high risk (the population on whom the genetic analyses that informed the BRAA development was done). Primary endpoints were time-to-event comparisons between participants at high risk and low risk given placebo (for the BRAA objective), and between participants at high risk given pioglitazone or placebo (for the efficacy objective). The primary analysis included all participants who were randomly assigned, received at least one dose of study drug, and had at least one valid post-baseline visit, with significance set at p=0·01. The safety analysis included all participants who were randomly assigned and received at least one dose of study medication. An efficacy futility analysis was planned for when approximately 33% of the anticipated events occurred in the high-risk, White, non-Hispanic or Latino group. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01931566. FINDINGS Between Aug 28, 2013, and Dec 21, 2015, we enrolled 3494 participants (3061 at high risk and 433 at low risk). Of those participants, 1545 were randomly assigned to pioglitazone and 1516 to placebo. 1104 participants discontinued treatment (464 assigned to the pioglitazone group, 501 in the placebo high risk group, and 139 in the placebo low risk group). 3399 participants had at least one dose of study drug or placebo and at least one post-baseline follow-up visit, and were included in the efficacy analysis. 3465 participants were included in the safety analysis (1531 assigned to the pioglitazone group, 1507 in the placebo high risk group, and 427 in the placebo low risk group). In the full analysis set, 46 (3·3%) of 1406 participants at high risk given placebo had mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, versus four (1·0%) of 402 participants at low risk given placebo (hazard ratio 3·26, 99% CI 0·85-12·45; p=0·023). 39 (2·7%) of 1430 participants at high risk given pioglitazone had mild cognitive impairment, versus 46 (3·3%) of 1406 participants at high risk given placebo (hazard ratio 0·80, 99% CI 0·45-1·40; p=0·307). In the safety analysis set, seven (0·5%) of 1531 participants at high risk given pioglitazone died versus 21 (1·4%) of 1507 participants at high risk given placebo. There were no other notable differences in adverse events between groups. The study was terminated in January, 2018, after failing to meet the non-futility threshold. INTERPRETATION Pioglitazone did not delay the onset of mild cognitive impairment. The biomarker algorithm demonstrated a 3 times enrichment of events in the high risk placebo group compared with the low risk placebo group, but did not reach the pre-specified significance threshold. Because we did not complete the study as planned, findings can only be considered exploratory. The conduct of this study could prove useful to future clinical development strategies for Alzheimer's disease prevention studies. FUNDING Takeda and Zinfandel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kathleen A Welsh-Bohmer
- Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Meredith Culp
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Janet O'Neil
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Deerfield, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Brenda L Plassman
- Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James R Burke
- Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jingtao Wu
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael W Lutz
- Joseph and Kathleen Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Lon S Schneider
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Carboni L, Delafont B, Ivanchenko E, Ratti E, Learned SM, Alexander R, Domenici E. Folate metabolism biomarkers from two randomised placebo-controlled clinical studies with paroxetine and venlafaxine. World J Biol Psychiatry 2021; 22:315-321. [PMID: 32787676 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1805509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Based on the hypothesis of a role for folate and vitamin B12 in major depressive disorders (MDD), we aimed at validating the association between folate pathway biomarkers and depression or antidepressant response in clinical trial populations. METHODS We investigated serum levels erythrocyte folate and serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate as disease and response biomarkers for MDD in two independent randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials, where paroxetine or venlafaxine were used as active controls, for a total of 881 patients. RESULTS Significant but weak correlations between depression severity and biomarker levels could be detected in the paroxetine study for serum folate and vitamin B12, with no correlations for any biomarker in the venlafaxine study. Besides a weak association for erythrocyte folate in the venlafaxine study, no significant associations were observed between treatment response and pre-treatment levels of any of the biomarkers tested. CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the relatively large number of patients tested, we did not find consistent associations between folate biomarkers and MDD severity, or response to paroxetine and venlafaxine. Our results may be related to the particular study design or clinical population; however, our findings do not support the hypothesis of a dysfunction of one-carbon metabolism in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Susan M Learned
- Global Medicines Development, Indivior, Inc, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Enrico Domenici
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Fondazione The Microsoft Research-University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Rovereto (Trento), Italy
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Lutz MW, Burns DK, Alexander R, Culp M, Yarnall D, Haneline S, Chiang C, Lai E, Metz C, Sundseth S, Guennel T, Marshall S, Andruss BF, Latham GJ, Hall B, Statt SN, Swanson T, Ratti E, Saunders AM. A genetic enrichment strategy for delay of onset of Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.044920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Meredith Culp
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. Cambridge MA USA
| | | | | | - Carl Chiang
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Eric Lai
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. Cambridge MA USA
| | - Craig Metz
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Chapel Hill NC USA
| | | | - Tobi Guennel
- QuartzBio, part of Precision for Medicine Frederick MD USA
| | - Scott Marshall
- QuartzBio, part of Precision for Medicine Frederick MD USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Tom Swanson
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Chapel Hill NC USA
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Vincenzi B, Trower M, Duggal A, Guglielmini P, Harris P, Jackson D, Lacouture ME, Ratti E, Tonini G, Wood A, Ständer S. Neurokinin-1 antagonist orvepitant for EGFRI-induced pruritus in patients with cancer: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e030114. [PMID: 32034016 PMCID: PMC7045265 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of orvepitant (10 or 30 mg given once daily, orally for 4 weeks), a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, compared with placebo in reducing the intensity of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI)-induced intense pruritus. DESIGN Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING 15 hospitals in Italy and five hospitals in the UK. PARTICIPANTS 44 patients aged ≥18 years receiving an EGFRI for a histologically confirmed malignant solid tumour and experiencing moderate or intense pruritus after EGFRI treatment. INTERVENTION 30 or 10 mg orvepitant or placebo tablets once daily for 4 weeks (randomised 1:1:1). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean patient-recorded numerical rating scale (NRS) score (over the last three recordings) at week 4. Secondary outcome measures were NRS score, verbal rating scale score, Skindex-16 and Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire at each study visit (baseline, weeks 1, 4, 8); rescue medication use; EGFRI dose reduction; and study withdrawal because of intense uncontrolled pruritus. RESULTS The trial was terminated early because of recruitment challenges; only 44 of the planned 90 patients were randomised. All patients were analysed for efficacy and safety. Mean NRS score change from baseline to week 4 was -2.78 (SD: 2.64) points in the 30 mg group, -3.04 (SD: 3.06) points in the 10 mg group and -3.21 (SD: 1.77) points in the placebo group; the difference between orvepitant and placebo was not statistically significant. No safety signal was detected. Adverse events related to orvepitant (asthenia, dizziness, dry mouth, hyperhidrosis) were all of mild or moderate severity. CONCLUSIONS Orvepitant was safe and well tolerated. No difference in NRS score between the orvepitant and placebo groups was observed at the week 4 primary endpoint. A number of explanations for this outcome are possible. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER EudraCT2013-002763-25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Vincenzi
- Medical Oncology, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ajay Duggal
- Adnovate Clinical Development Strategies, East Sussex, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mario E Lacouture
- Department of Dermatology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Medical Oncology, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Sonja Ständer
- Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Carboni L, McCarthy DJ, Delafont B, Filosi M, Ivanchenko E, Ratti E, Learned SM, Alexander R, Domenici E. Biomarkers for response in major depression: comparing paroxetine and venlafaxine from two randomised placebo-controlled clinical studies. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:182. [PMID: 31375659 PMCID: PMC6677721 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0521-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers of response might speed drug development and set the premises to assist clinical practice in psychiatry. In this work, we evaluated a panel of peripheral biomarkers (including IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, TNFRII, BDNF, CRP, MMP9 and PAI1) in depressed patients receiving paroxetine, venlafaxine, or placebo. Samples were obtained from two randomised placebo-controlled studies evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of a novel drug candidate, using either paroxetine or venlafaxine as active comparators. In both studies, the biomarker candidates were analysed in plasma collected at randomization and after 10 weeks of treatment with either placebo or active comparator (for a total of 106 and 108 subjects in the paroxetine and venlafaxine study, respectively). Data were obtained by multiplexing sandwich-ELISA system. Data were subjected to statistical analysis to assess their correlation with baseline severity and with response outcome. Increases in biomarker levels were correlated with reduction in depression severity for TNF-α, IL-6 IL-10 and CRP. Response to paroxetine treatment correlated with baseline IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, with the strongest signal being observed in males. In the venlafaxine study, a correlation was observed only between CRP level at randomisation and response, suggesting differences between the two active treatments and the two studies. Our investigations suggest that a combination of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines may predict response outcome in patients treated with paroxetine. The potential for IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α as response biomarkers for a wider range of antidepressants warrants further investigations in clinical trials with other monoamine reuptake inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carboni
- 0000 0004 1757 1758grid.6292.fDepartment of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dennis J. McCarthy
- Indipendent Consultant, Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Science, Newark, DE USA
| | | | - Michele Filosi
- 0000 0004 1937 0351grid.11696.39Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Emiliangelo Ratti
- 0000 0004 0447 7762grid.419849.9Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda, Boston, MA USA
| | - Susan M. Learned
- grid.504165.3Global Medicines Development, Indivior, Inc., Richmond, VA USA
| | - Robert Alexander
- 0000 0004 0447 7762grid.419849.9Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda, Boston, MA USA
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy. .,Fondazione The Microsoft Research-University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Rovereto, TN, Italy.
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O’Donnell P, Rosen L, Alexander R, Murthy V, Davies CH, Ratti E. Strategies to Address Challenges in Neuroscience Drug Discovery and Development. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:445-448. [PMID: 31139821 PMCID: PMC6600465 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The paucity of novel drugs for neuropsychiatric indications contrasts with the remarkable recent advances in neuroscience research. We have identified 5 challenges the field needs to address and recommend potential solutions. First, we need to drive discovery efforts based on human data. Second, we need to think more carefully about animal models, embracing them as tools to test pathophysiological alterations. Third, we need to develop strategies to select more homogenous groups of patients in our clinical trials. Fourth, we need to develop and validate translational biomarkers, which can be used for pharmacodynamic assessments as well as for patient selection. Fifth, we need to adopt more reliable and objective measures to capture clinical efficacy. The tools that will allow these solutions to be implemented may already be in place but not routinely adopted or are still being developed. Overall, a change in mindset to adopt science- and data-driven paths is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio O’Donnell
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts,Correspondence: Patricio O’Donnell, MD, PhD, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139 ()
| | - Laura Rosen
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Ceri H Davies
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
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Muglia P, Filosi M, Da Ros L, Kam-Thong T, Nardocci F, Trabetti E, Ratti E, Rizzini P, Zuddas A, Bernardina BD, Domenici E. The Italian autism network (ITAN): a resource for molecular genetics and biomarker investigations. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:369. [PMID: 30463616 PMCID: PMC6247619 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial genetic component accounts for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) aetiology, with some rare and common genetic risk factors recently identified. Large collections of DNAs from thoroughly characterized ASD families are an essential step to confirm genetic risk factors, identify new variants and investigate genotype-phenotype correlations. The Italian Autism Network aimed at constituting a clinical database and a biorepository of samples derived from ASD subjects and first-degree relatives extensively and consistently characterized by child psychiatry centers in Italy. METHODS The study was approved by the ethical committee of the University of Verona, the coordinating site, and by the local ethical committees of each recruiting site. Certified staff was specifically trained at each site for the overall study conduct, for clinical protocol administration and handling of biological material. A centralized database was developed to collect clinical assessment and medical records from each recruiting site. Children were eligible for recruitment based on the following inclusion criteria: age 4-18 years, at least one parent or legal guardian giving voluntary written consent, meeting DSM-IV criteria for Autistic Disorder or Asperger's Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS. Affected individuals were assessed by full psychiatric, neurological and physical examination, evaluation with ADI-R and ADOS scales, cognitive assessment with Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children or Preschool and Primary, Leiter International Performance Scale or Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale. Additional evaluations included language assessment, the Krug Asperger's Disorder Index, and instrumental examination such as EEG and structural MRI. DNA, RNA and plasma were collected from eligible individuals and relatives. A central laboratory was established to host the biorepository, perform DNA and RNA extraction and lymphocytes immortalisation. DISCUSSION The study has led to an extensive collection of biological samples associated with standardised clinical assessments from a network of expert clinicians and psychologists. Eighteen sites have received ADI/ADOS training, thirteen of which have been actively recruiting. The clinical database currently includes information on 812 individuals from 249 families, and the biorepository has samples for 98% of the subjects. This effort has generated a highly valuable resource for conducting clinical and genetic research of ASD, amenable to further expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Filosi
- 0000 0004 1937 0351grid.11696.39Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Tony Kam-Thong
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center, Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Elisabetta Trabetti
- 0000 0004 1763 1124grid.5611.3Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Emiliangelo Ratti
- 0000 0004 0447 7762grid.419849.9Central Nervous System (CNS) Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda, Boston, USA
| | | | - Alessandro Zuddas
- 0000 0004 1755 3242grid.7763.5Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dalla Bernardina
- Servizio di Neuropsichiatria Infantile Azienda Ospedaliera Istituti Ospitalieri di Verona Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Verona, Italy
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy. .,The Microsoft Research - University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology, Rovereto, TN, Italy.
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Collo G, Cavalleri L, Zoli M, Maskos U, Ratti E, Merlo Pich E. Alpha6-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Mediate Nicotine-Induced Structural Plasticity in Mouse and Human iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:572. [PMID: 29910731 PMCID: PMC5992464 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are considered a critical substrate for the reinforcing and sensitizing effects of nicotine and tobacco dependence. While the role of the α4 and β2 subunit containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α4β2∗nAChRs) in mediating nicotine effects on DA release and DA neuron activity has been widely explored, less information is available on their role in the morphological adaptation of the DA system to nicotine, eventually leading to dysfunctional behaviors observed in nicotine dependence. In particular, no information is available on the role of α6∗nAChRs in nicotine-induced structural plasticity in rodents and no direct evidence exists regarding the occurrence of structural plasticity in human DA neurons exposed to nicotine. To approach this problem, we used two parallel in vitro systems, mouse primary DA neuron cultures from E12.5 embryos and human DA neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of healthy donors, identified using TH+ immunoreactivity. In both systems, nicotine 1–10 μM produced a dose-dependent increase of maximal dendrite length, number of primary dendrites, and soma size when measured after 3 days in culture. These effects were blocked by pretreatments with the α6∗nAChR antagonists α-conotoxin MII and α-conotoxin PIA, as well as by the α4β2nAChR antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE) in both mouse and human DA neurons. Nicotine was also ineffective when the primary DA neurons were obtained from null mutant mice for either the α6 subunit or both the α4 and α6 subunits of nAChR. When pregnant mice were exposed to nicotine from gestational day 15, structural plasticity was also observed in the midbrain DA neurons of postnatal day 1 offspring only in wild-type mice and not in both null mutant mice. This study confirmed the critical role of α4α6∗nAChRs in mediating nicotine-induced structural plasticity in both mouse and human DA neurons, supporting the translational relevance of neurons differentiated from human iPSCs for pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginetta Collo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Cavalleri
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Unité de Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Emiliangelo Ratti
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Emilio Merlo Pich
- The Division of Brain Science, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Neuroscience Therapeutic Area Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Zurich, Switzerland
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Boem F, Ratti E, Andreoletti M, Boniolo G. Why genes are like lemons. Stud Hist Philos Biol Biomed Sci 2016; 57:88-95. [PMID: 27155220 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsc.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the last few years, the lack of a unitary notion of gene across biological sciences has troubled the philosophy of biology community. However, the debate on this concept has remained largely historical or focused on particular cases presented by the scientific empirical advancements. Moreover, in the literature there are no explicit and reasonable arguments about why a philosophical clarification of the concept of gene is needed. In our paper, we claim that a philosophical clarification of the concept of gene does not contribute to biology. Unlike the question, for example, "What is a biological function?", we argue that the question "What is a gene?" could be answered by means of empirical research, in the sense that biologists' labour is enough to shed light on it.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Boem
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-oncologia, Università di Milano, Italy
| | - E Ratti
- Center for Theology, Science and Human Flourishing, University of Notre Dame, USA.
| | - M Andreoletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Universita' di Milano, Italy; Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Italy
| | - G Boniolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Chirurgico Specialistiche, Università of Ferrara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Study, Technische Universität München, Germany
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Trower MK, Fisher A, Upton N, Ratti E. Neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist orvepitant is an effective inhibitor of itch-associated response in a Mongolian gerbil model of scratching behaviour. Exp Dermatol 2015; 23:858-60. [PMID: 25078633 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Data suggest that substance P could play an important role in pruritus, and therefore, blockade of the neurokinin (NK)-1 receptor might be antipruritic. Thus, we explored in the Mongolian gerbil the effect on scratching behaviour, induced by intra-dermal injection of the NK-1 receptor-specific agonist GR73632, of oral administration of the NK-1 receptor antagonist orvepitant. Orvepitant at all doses tested (0.1-10 mg/kg p.o.) produced a profound inhibition of GR73632 (30 nmol i.d.) induced hindlimb scratching; the minimum effective dose of orvepitant in this model was identified as ≤0.1 mg/kg. The data generated supported the proposition that the antipruritic potential of orvepitant should be evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Trower
- NeRRe Therapeutics Ltd, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Stevenage, UK
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Inamdar A, Merlo-Pich E, Gee M, Makumi C, Mistry P, Robertson J, Steinberg E, Zamuner S, Learned S, Alexander R, Ratti E. Evaluation of antidepressant properties of the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor losmapimod (GW856553) in Major Depressive Disorder: Results from two randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre studies using a Bayesian approach. J Psychopharmacol 2014; 28:570-81. [PMID: 24699061 DOI: 10.1177/0269881114529377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) may play important pathophysiological roles in some forms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The p38 MAPK inhibitor losmapimod (GW856553) attenuates the pro-inflammatory response in humans by reducing PIC production. Losmapimod (7.5 mg BD) was administered for 6 weeks in two randomised, placebo-controlled trials in subjects with MDD enriched with symptoms of loss of energy/interest and psychomotor retardation (Studies 574 and 009). Primary efficacy endpoints were the Bech 6-item depression subscale of the HAMD-17 (the 'Bech,') for Study 009; and the Bech, Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician Rated (IDS-C), HAMD-17, and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (self-rated) (QIDS-SR) for Study 574. Key cytokine biomarker levels were also measured. Study 574 (n=24) was terminated prematurely in light of emerging data from an internal study in rheumatoid arthritis. Efficacy results available at termination favoured losmapimod (Bech, 6 weeks: endpoint drug vs. placebo difference = -4.10; 95% CI, -7.36, -0.83; p=0.017). A subsequent study, Study 009 (n=128), designed using a Bayesian approach based on a prior derived from Study 574, showed no advantage for losmapimod (Bech, 6 weeks: endpoint drug vs. placebo difference = 1.11; 95% credible interval, -0.22, 2.50). Biomarker data showed no significant changes. In conclusion 7.5 mg BID losmapimod was not effective in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Inamdar
- Neurosciences Centre for Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Harlow, Essex, UK The first two authors equally contributed to the work here reported Present address: Takeda Development Centre Europe Ltd., London, UK
| | - Emilio Merlo-Pich
- Neurosciences Centre for Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Verona, Italy The first two authors equally contributed to the work here reported Present address: Neuroscience DTA, F. Hoffman-la Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Gee
- Neurosciences Medicines Development Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Harlow, Essex, UK
| | - Clare Makumi
- Neurosciences Medicines Development Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Prafull Mistry
- Discovery Biometrics, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Harlow, Essex, UK
| | - Jon Robertson
- Discovery Biometrics, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Harlow, Essex, UK
| | - Erik Steinberg
- Neurosciences Medicines Development Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stefano Zamuner
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Verona, Italy
| | - Susan Learned
- Neurosciences Centre for Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robert Alexander
- Neurosciences Centre for Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Verona, Italy
| | - Emiliangelo Ratti
- Neurosciences Centre for Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Verona, Italy
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Ridler K, Gunn RN, Searle GE, Barletta J, Passchier J, Dixson L, Hallett WA, Ashworth S, Gray FA, Burgess C, Poggesi I, Bullman JN, Ratti E, Laruelle MA, Rabiner EA. Characterising the plasma-target occupancy relationship of the neurokinin antagonist GSK1144814 with PET. J Psychopharmacol 2014; 28:244-53. [PMID: 24429221 DOI: 10.1177/0269881113517953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
GSK1144814 is a potent, insurmountable antagonist at human NK₁ and NK₃ receptors. Understanding the relationship between plasma pharmacokinetics and receptor occupancy in the human brain, was crucial for dose selection in future clinical studies. GSK1144814 occupancy data were acquired in parallel with the first-time-in-human safety and tolerability study. [¹¹C]GR-205171 a selective NK₁ receptor PET ligand was used to estimate NK₁ occupancy at several time-points following single dose administration of GSK1144814. The time-plasma concentration-occupancy relationship post-single dose administration was assessed, and used to predict the plasma concentration-occupancy relationship following repeat dose administration. Repeat dose predictions were tested in a subsequent cohort of subjects examined following approximately 7 and 14 days dosing with GSK1144814. GSK1144814 was shown to demonstrate a dose-dependent occupancy of the NK₁ receptor with an estimated in vivo EC₅₀~0.9 ng/mL in the human brain. A direct relationship was seen between the GSK1144814 plasma concentration and its occupancy of the brain NK₁ receptor, indicating that in future clinical trials the occupancy of brain receptors can be accurately inferred from the measured plasma concentration. Our data provided support for the further progression of this compound and have optimised the likely therapeutic dose range.
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Ratti E, Carpenter DJ, Zamuner S, Fernandes S, Squassante L, Danker-Hopfe H, Archer G, Robertson J, Alexander R, Trist DG, Merlo-Pich E. Efficacy of vestipitant, a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, in primary insomnia. Sleep 2013; 36:1823-30. [PMID: 24293756 PMCID: PMC3825431 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.3208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Investigate the hypnotic effects of repeated doses of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, vestipitant, in primary insomnia. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 28-day parallel-group study. SETTING Eleven sleep centers in Germany. PATIENTS One hundred sixty-one patients with primary insomnia. INTERVENTIONS Patients received vestipitant (15 mg) or placebo for 28 days; 2-night polysomnographic assessment occurred on nights 1/2 and 27/28. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Wake after sleep onset (WASO) was improved on nights 1/2 and 27/28 (ratio, vestipitant versus placebo [95% confidence interval]: 0.76 [0.65, 0.90], P = 0.001 and 0.79 [0.65, 0.96], P = 0.02, respectively), demonstrating maintenance of the effect following repeated dosing. Latency to persistent sleep was shorter with vestipitant on nights 1/2 (P = 0.0006 versus placebo), but not on nights 27/28. Total sleep time (TST) improved with vestipitant (nights 1/2: P < 0.0001, nights 27/28: P = 0.02 versus placebo). Next-day cognitive function tests demonstrated no residual effects of vestipitant (P > 0.05 versus placebo). Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 25% of vestipitant patients versus 22% for placebo. Headache was the most common AE (8% of vestipitant patients versus 9% for placebo). CONCLUSIONS Vestipitant improved sleep maintenance in patients with primary insomnia, with no associated next-day cognitive impairment. The effects on wake after sleep onset and total sleep time were maintained following repeated dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliangelo Ratti
- GlaxoSmithKline Neuroscience Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, Verona, Italy
| | - David J. Carpenter
- GlaxoSmithKline Discovery Medicine, Neurosciences Centre for Excellence in Drug Discovery, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Stefano Zamuner
- GlaxoSmithKline Neuroscience Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, Verona, Italy
| | - Sofia Fernandes
- GlaxoSmithKline Neuroscience Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, Verona, Italy
| | - Lisa Squassante
- GlaxoSmithKline Neuroscience Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, Verona, Italy
| | - Heidi Danker-Hopfe
- Competence Centre of Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Graeme Archer
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Neurosciences Discovery Biometrics, Harlow, UK
| | | | - Robert Alexander
- GlaxoSmithKline Discovery Medicine, Neurosciences Centre for Excellence in Drug Discovery, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David G. Trist
- GlaxoSmithKline Neuroscience Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, Verona, Italy
| | - Emilio Merlo-Pich
- GlaxoSmithKline Neuroscience Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, Verona, Italy
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Di Fabio R, Alvaro G, Braggio S, Carletti R, Gerrard PA, Griffante C, Marchioro C, Pozzan A, Melotto S, Poffe A, Piccoli L, Ratti E, Tranquillini E, Trower M, Spada S, Corsi M. Identification, biological characterization and pharmacophoric analysis of a new potent and selective NK1 receptor antagonist clinical candidate. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:6264-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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18
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Ratti E, Bettica P, Alexander R, Archer G, Carpenter D, Evoniuk G, Gomeni R, Lawson E, Lopez M, Millns H, Rabiner EA, Trist D, Trower M, Zamuner S, Krishnan R, Fava M. Full central neurokinin-1 receptor blockade is required for efficacy in depression: evidence from orvepitant clinical studies. J Psychopharmacol 2013; 27:424-34. [PMID: 23539641 DOI: 10.1177/0269881113480990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Full, persistent blockade of central neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors may be a potential antidepressant mechanism. The selective NK1 antagonist orvepitant (GW823296) was used to test this hypothesis. A preliminary positron emission tomography study in eight male volunteers drove dose selection for two randomized six week studies in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Displacement of central [(11)C]GR205171 binding indicated that oral orvepitant doses of 30-60 mg/day provided >99% receptor occupancy for ≥24 h. Studies 733 and 833 randomized patients with MDD and 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)≥22 to double-blind treatment with orvepitant 30 mg/day, orvepitant 60 mg/day or placebo (1:1:1). Primary outcome measure was change from baseline in 17-item HAM-D total score at Week 6 analyzed using mixed models repeated measures. Study 733 (n=328) demonstrated efficacy on the primary endpoint (estimated drug-placebo differences of 30 mg: -2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-4.50 to -0.31) p=0.0245; 60 mg: -2.86, 95% CI (-4.97 to -0.75) p=0.0082). Study 833 (n=345) did not show significance (estimated drug-placebo differences of 30 mg: -1.67, 95% CI (-3.73 to 0.39) p=0.1122; 60 mg: -0.76, 95% CI (-2.85 to 1.32) p=0.4713). The results support the hypothesis that full, long lasting blockade of central NK1 receptors may be an efficacious mechanism for the treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliangelo Ratti
- Neurosciences Center for Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Verona, Italy
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Bettica P, Squassante L, Zamuner S, Nucci G, Danker-Hopfe H, Ratti E. The orexin antagonist SB-649868 promotes and maintains sleep in men with primary insomnia. Sleep 2012; 35:1097-104. [PMID: 22851805 PMCID: PMC3397789 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To assess the acute effects of SB-649868 in male subjects with Primary Insomnia with regard to (1) objective and subjective sleep parameters, (2) safety and tolerability, (3) next-day residual effects. DESIGN Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study using a complete set of Williams orthogonal Latin Squares SETTING 9 sleep centers in Germany PATIENTS 52 male subjects with a diagnosis of primary insomnia (difficulty in sleep initiation and maintenance) confirmed by polysomnography INTERVENTIONS SB-649868 (10, 30, 60 mg) and placebo administered after dinner 90 minutes before bedtime MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Sleep effects assessed by polysomnography during 2 consecutive nights and by sleep questionnaires completed by subjects after each night at the sleep laboratory. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse events collection, electrocardiogram (ECG), vital signs, laboratory tests. Next-day residual effects were assessed by Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and modified Verbal Learning Memory Test administered at "lights on" after night 2. SB-649868 significantly reduced latency to persistent sleep, wake after sleep onset (WASO), and increased total sleep time (TST) compared to placebo. A dose-dependent effect was observed. A dose-dependent increase in absolute and percent REM sleep and reduction in REM sleep latency was observed mainly at the 60-mg dose. SB-649868 was well tolerated with inconsistent next day residual effects. SB-649868 sleep effects were correlated with SB-649868 circulating levels. CONCLUSION The data demonstrate the sleep-promoting properties of the orexin antagonist SB-649868 in male patients with insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bettica
- Neuroscience CEDD Discovery Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline, Verona, Italy
| | - Lisa Squassante
- Neurosciences Discovery Biometrics GlaxoSmithKline, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Zamuner
- Clinical Pharmacology Modeling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, UK
| | - Gianluca Nucci
- Clinical Pharmacology Modeling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, UK
| | - Heidi Danker-Hopfe
- Competence Centre of Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine, Charit́e - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Bettica P, Nucci G, Pyke C, Squassante L, Zamuner S, Ratti E, Gomeni R, Alexander R. Phase I studies on the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SB-649868, a novel dual orexin receptor antagonist. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:1058-70. [PMID: 21730017 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111408954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The orexin system plays a major role in the integration of metabolic and circadian influences that drive wakefulness. This paper describes initial Phase I trials of a novel dual orexin receptor antagonist SB-649868 that has demonstrated preclinical potential for treatment of sleep disorders. The trial designs included a single ascending dose escalation study (dose range: 10-80 mg in the fed and fasted states) and a multiple repeat dose study (dose range: 5-30 mg in the fed state) enrolling a total of 103 male volunteer subjects. SB-649868 was well tolerated at all doses in this study population, with mechanism-related adverse events (e.g. somnolence and fatigue) observed in a majority of subjects after 60 and 80 mg single doses. Although total drug exposure was similar in the fed and fasted states, the rate, but not the extent, of absorption increased in the fed state, resulting in an increased C(max). The typical estimated half-life of SB-649868 was 3-6 h - comparable with currently used hypnotic agents. Repeated administration of SB-649868 dose-dependently increased exposure to simvastatin (10 mg), suggesting CYP3A4 inhibition ranging from very mild (5 mg) to strong (30 mg). Evening dosing resulted in significant dose-dependent improvement in latency to persistent sleep, total sleep time and wake after sleep onset as measured by polysomnography. Next-morning testing did not detect evidence of residual cognitive effects. Results of these trials support further investigation of SB-649868 and other dual orexin receptor antagonists as potentially effective and well-tolerated treatments for patients with sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bettica
- Neurosciences Center for Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Verona, Italy
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21
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Learned S, Graff O, Roychowdhury S, Moate R, Krishnan KR, Archer G, Modell JG, Alexander R, Zamuner S, Lavergne A, Evoniuk G, Ratti E. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a triple reuptake inhibitor GSK372475 in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder: two randomized, placebo- and active-controlled clinical trials. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:653-62. [PMID: 22048884 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111424931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
GSK372475 is a triple reuptake inhibitor with approximately equipotent inhibition of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters. Two randomized, placebo- and active-controlled, double-blind studies examined the efficacy and safety of GSK372475 in outpatients (aged 18-64 years) with a diagnosis of major depressive episode associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo, GSK372475 (1-2 mg/d), or active control (Study 1: venlafaxine XR 150-225 mg/d; Study 2: paroxetine 20-30 mg/d). GSK372475 did not significantly differ from placebo on any of the key efficacy endpoints (six-item Bech scale, IDS-Clinician Rated, MADRS) in either study. Both active controls demonstrated significant antidepressant activity compared with placebo on both primary and secondary endpoints. The most common adverse effects (AEs) with GSK372475 were dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and nausea. AEs were more frequent for GSK372475 versus placebo for sleep, anxiety-related, gastrointestinal, and tachycardia events. Increases in mean change from baseline in heart rate and sitting blood pressure were greater for GSK372475 than observed for either placebo or active control groups. Completion rates were lower for GSK372475 (49%, 58%) compared with placebo (67%, 74%), venlafaxine XR (63%), or paroxetine (77%). GSK372475 was neither efficacious nor well tolerated in patients with MDD in two 10-week studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Learned
- Neurosciences Discovery Medicine, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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22
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Di Fabio R, Pellacani A, Faedo S, Roth A, Piccoli L, Gerrard P, Porter RA, Johnson CN, Thewlis K, Donati D, Stasi L, Spada S, Stemp G, Nash D, Branch C, Kindon L, Massagrande M, Poffe A, Braggio S, Chiarparin E, Marchioro C, Ratti E, Corsi M. Discovery process and pharmacological characterization of a novel dual orexin 1 and orexin 2 receptor antagonist useful for treatment of sleep disorders. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 21:5562-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.06.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Roberts K, Ursini A, Barnaby R, Cassarà PG, Corsi M, Curotto G, Donati D, Feriani A, Finizia G, Marchioro C, Niccolai D, Oliosi B, Polinelli S, Ratti E, Reggiani A, Tedesco G, Tranquillini ME, Trist DG, van Amsterdam FTM. Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of new 1,5-dialkyl-1,5-benzodiazepines as cholecystokinin-2 receptor antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:4257-73. [PMID: 21689940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article deals with the synthesis and the activities of some 1,5-dialkyl-3-arylureido-1,5-benzodiazepin-2,4-diones which were prepared as potential CCK2 antagonists, with the intention to find a possible follow up of our lead compound GV150013, showing an improved pharmacokinetic profile. The phenyl ring at N-5 was replaced with more hydrophilic substituents, like alkyl groups bearing basic functions. In some cases, the resolution of the racemic key intermediates 3-amino-benzodiazepines was also accomplished. Among the compounds synthesized and characterised so far in this class, the 5-morpholinoethyl derivative 54, was selected as potential follow up of GV150013 and submitted for further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Roberts
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Via A. Fleming, 4, 37100 Verona, Italy.
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Di Fabio R, Alvaro G, Griffante C, Pizzi DA, Donati D, Mattioli M, Cimarosti Z, Guercio G, Marchioro C, Provera S, Zonzini L, Montanari D, Melotto S, Gerrard PA, Trist DG, Ratti E, Corsi M. Discovery and biological characterization of (2R,4S)-1'-acetyl-N-{(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl}-2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-N-methyl-4,4'-bipiperidine-1-carboxamide as a new potent and selective neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist clinical candidate. J Med Chem 2011; 54:1071-9. [PMID: 21229983 DOI: 10.1021/jm1013264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A large body of compelling preclinical evidence supports the clinical use of neurokinin (NK) receptor antagonists in a plethora of CNS and non-CNS therapeutic areas. The significant investment made in this area over the past 2 decades culminated with the observation that NK(1) receptor antagonists elicited clinical efficacy in major depression disorders. In addition, aprepitant (Merck) was launched as a new drug able to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). After the discovery by GlaxoSmithKline of vestipitant, a wide drug discovery program was launched aimed at identifying additional clinical candidates. New compounds were designed to maximize affinity at the NK(1) receptor binding site while retaining suitable physicochemical characteristics to ensure excellent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in vivo. Herein we describe the discovery process of a new NK(1) receptor antagonist (casopitant) selected as clinical candidate and progressed into clinical studies to treat major depression disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romano Di Fabio
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via A. Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy.
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25
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Micheli F, Cavanni P, Andreotti D, Arban R, Benedetti R, Bertani B, Bettati M, Bettelini L, Bonanomi G, Braggio S, Carletti R, Checchia A, Corsi M, Fazzolari E, Fontana S, Marchioro C, Merlo-Pich E, Negri M, Oliosi B, Ratti E, Read KD, Roscic M, Sartori I, Spada S, Tedesco G, Tarsi L, Terreni S, Visentini F, Zocchi A, Zonzini L, Di Fabio R. 6-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1-[(Methyloxy)methyl]-3-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane: A New Potent and Selective Triple Reuptake Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2010; 53:4989-5001. [DOI: 10.1021/jm100481d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Cavanni
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
| | | | - Roberto Arban
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Checchia
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
| | - Mauro Corsi
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
| | | | | | | | | | - Michele Negri
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
| | | | | | - Kevin D. Read
- Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, Sir James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, U.K
| | - Maja Roscic
- GlaxoSmithKline Research Centre Zagreb Ltd., Prilaz Baruna Filipovica 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Simone Spada
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
| | | | - Luca Tarsi
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
| | | | | | | | - Laura Zonzini
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery
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Braggio S, Montanari D, Rossi T, Ratti E. Drug efficiency: a new concept to guide lead optimization programs towards the selection of better clinical candidates. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2010; 5:609-18. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2010.490553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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27
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Micheli F, Arista L, Bonanomi G, Blaney FE, Braggio S, Capelli AM, Checchia A, Damiani F, Di-Fabio R, Fontana S, Gentile G, Griffante C, Hamprecht D, Marchioro C, Mugnaini M, Piner J, Ratti E, Tedesco G, Tarsi L, Terreni S, Worby A, Ashby CR, Heidbreder C. 1,2,4-Triazolyl Azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes: A New Series of Potent and Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2009; 53:374-91. [DOI: 10.1021/jm901319p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Micheli
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Arista
- Novartis Institute Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Bonanomi
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Frank E. Blaney
- Molecular Discovery Research
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, NFSP, Harlow, U.K
| | - Simone Braggio
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Capelli
- Molecular Discovery Research
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Checchia
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Romano Di-Fabio
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Fontana
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gentile
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Cristiana Griffante
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Carla Marchioro
- Molecular Discovery Research
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Manolo Mugnaini
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Jacqui Piner
- Safety Assessment
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, NFSP, Harlow, U.K
| | - Emiliangelo Ratti
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, NFSP, Harlow, U.K
| | - Giovanna Tedesco
- Molecular Discovery Research
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Luca Tarsi
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Terreni
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Angela Worby
- Molecular Discovery Research
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, NFSP, Harlow, U.K
| | - Charles R. Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saint John’s University, Jamaica, New York 11439
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28
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Di Fabio R, Griffante C, Alvaro G, Pentassuglia G, Pizzi DA, Donati D, Rossi T, Guercio G, Mattioli M, Cimarosti Z, Marchioro C, Provera S, Zonzini L, Montanari D, Melotto S, Gerrard PA, Trist DG, Ratti E, Corsi M. Discovery Process and Pharmacological Characterization of 2-(S)-(4-Fluoro-2-methylphenyl)piperazine-1-carboxylic Acid [1-(R)-(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethyl]methylamide (Vestipitant) as a Potent, Selective, and Orally Active NK1Receptor Antagonist. J Med Chem 2009; 52:3238-47. [DOI: 10.1021/jm900023b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Walker D, Yang Y, Ratti E, Corsi M, Trist D, Davis M. Differential effects of the CRF-R1 antagonist GSK876008 on fear-potentiated, light- and CRF-enhanced startle suggest preferential involvement in sustained vs phasic threat responses. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:1533-42. [PMID: 19078950 PMCID: PMC3586210 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2008.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The amplitude of the acoustic startle response is increased when elicited in the presence of brief cues that predict shock (fear-potentiated startle) and also when elicited during sustained exposure to bright light (light-enhanced startle). Although both effects are thought to reflect fear or anxiety, their neuroanatomical substrates differ. Although fear-potentiated startle is disrupted by reversible inactivation of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) but not the closely related bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), light-enhanced startle is disrupted by BNST inactivation but not by CeA inactivation. Intraventricular infusions of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) also increase startle (CRF-enhanced startle) and this effect is mediated by CRF receptors within the BNST, with no involvement of the CeA. Together, these observations suggest that CeA- and BNST-dependent fear and anxiety may be differentially sensitive to CRF receptor blockade. We tested this by orally administering the novel, potent, and selective CRF-R1 antagonist GSK876008 to rats before CRF-enhanced, light-enhanced, or fear-potentiated startle testing. GSK876008 disrupted CRF-enhanced startle with a linear dose-response curve, and light-enhanced startle with a U-shaped dose-response curve, but did not disrupt fear-potentiated startle to a visual stimulus at any dose tested, and even augmented the response in some animals. GSK876008 also disrupted shock-related 'baseline' startle increases, which may have reflected context conditioning (shown elsewhere to also be BNST-dependent). Overall, these results suggest that short-duration CeA-dependent threat responses can be pharmacologically dissociated from longer duration BNST-dependent responses in terms of their sensitivity to CRF1 receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Walker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Y. Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E. Ratti
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Verona, Italy
| | - M. Corsi
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Verona, Italy
| | - D. Trist
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Verona, Italy
| | - M. Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,The Center for Behavior Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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30
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Di Fabio R, St-Denis Y, Sabbatini FM, Andreotti D, Arban R, Bernasconi G, Braggio S, Blaney FE, Capelli AM, Castiglioni E, Di Modugno E, Donati D, Fazzolari E, Ratti E, Feriani A, Contini S, Gentile G, Ghirlanda D, Provera S, Marchioro C, Roberts KL, Mingardi A, Mattioli M, Nalin A, Pavone F, Spada S, Trist DG, Worby A. Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of novel druglike corticotropin-releasing factor 1 antagonists. J Med Chem 2009; 51:7370-9. [PMID: 18989952 DOI: 10.1021/jm800744m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To identify new CRF(1) receptor antagonists, an attempt to modify the bis-heterocycle moiety present in the top region of the dihydropyrrole[2,3]pyridine template was made following new pharmacophoric hypothesis on the CRF(1) receptor antagonists binding pocket. In particular, the 2-thiazole ring, present in the previous series of compounds, was replaced by more hydrophilic non aromatic heterocycles able to make appropriate H-bond interactions with amino acid residues Thr192 and Tyr195. This exploration, followed by an accurate analysis of the substitution of the pendant aryl ring, enabled to identify in vitro potent compounds showing excellent pharmacokinetics and outstanding in vivo activity in animal models of anxiety, both in rodents and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romano Di Fabio
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery and Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via A. Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy.
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31
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Di Fabio R, Arban R, Bernasconi G, Braggio S, Blaney FE, Capelli AM, Castiglioni E, Donati D, Fazzolari E, Ratti E, Feriani A, Contini S, Gentile G, Ghirlanda D, Sabbatini FM, Andreotti D, Spada S, Marchioro C, Worby A, St-Denis Y. Dihydropyrrole[2,3-d]pyridine derivatives as novel corticotropin-releasing factor-1 antagonists: mapping of the receptor binding pocket by in silico docking studies. J Med Chem 2009; 51:7273-86. [PMID: 18975927 DOI: 10.1021/jm800743q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In an effort to discover novel CRF-1 receptor antagonists exhibiting improved physicochemical properties, a dihydropirrole[2,3]pyridine scaffold was designed and explored in terms of the SAR of the substitution at the pendent phenyl ring and the nature of the heterocyclic moieties present in the upper region of the molecule. Selective and potent compounds have been discovered endowed with reduced ClogP with respect to compounds known in the literature. Of particular relevance was the finding that the in vitro affinity of the series was maintained by reducing the overall lipophilicity. The results achieved by this exploration enabled the formulation of a novel hypothesis on the nature of the receptor binding pocket of this class of CRF-1 receptor antagonists, making use of in silico docking studies of the putative nonpeptidic antagonist binding site set up in house by homology modeling techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romano Di Fabio
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery and Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via A. Fleming 4, 37135, Verona, Italy.
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32
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Felger JC, Alagbe O, Hu F, Mook D, Freeman AA, Sanchez MM, Kalin NH, Ratti E, Nemeroff CB, Miller AH. Effects of interferon-alpha on rhesus monkeys: a nonhuman primate model of cytokine-induced depression. Biol Psychiatry 2007; 62:1324-33. [PMID: 17678633 PMCID: PMC2149847 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2007] [Revised: 05/04/2007] [Accepted: 05/17/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon (IFN)-alpha is an innate immune cytokine that causes high rates of depression in humans and therefore has been used to study the impact of cytokines on the brain and behavior. To establish a nonhuman primate model of cytokine-induced depression, we examined the effects of IFN-alpha on rhesus monkeys. METHODS Eight rhesus monkeys were administered recombinant human (rHu)-IFN-alpha (20 MIU/m(2)) or saline for 4 weeks in counterbalanced fashion, and videotaped behavior, as well as plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), were obtained at regular intervals to assess behavioral, neuroendocrine, immune, and neurotransmitter parameters. Additionally, expression and activity of IFN-alpha/beta receptors in monkey peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assessed. RESULTS Compared with saline treatment, IFN-alpha administration was associated with persistent increases in anxiety-like behaviors and decreases in environmental exploration. In addition, IFN-alpha induced significant increases in plasma concentrations of corticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, and interleukin-6 that tended to diminish after chronic administration, especially in dominant animals. Interestingly, in three animals, depressive-like, huddling behavior was observed. Monkeys that displayed huddling behavior exhibited significantly higher plasma concentrations of ACTH and lower CSF concentrations of the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid. Rhesus monkey PBMCs were found to express mRNA and protein for the IFN-alpha/beta receptor. Moreover, treatment of PBMCs with rHu-IFN-alpha led to induction of STAT1, one of the primary IFN-alpha-induced signaling molecules. CONCLUSIONS IFN-alpha evoked behavioral, neuroendocrine, and immune responses in rhesus monkeys that are similar to humans. Moreover, alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses and dopamine metabolism may contribute to IFN-alpha-induced depressive-like huddling behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Felger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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33
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Andreotti D, Bientinesi I, Biondi S, Donati D, Erbetti I, Lociuro S, Marchioro C, Pozzan A, Ratti E, Terreni S. A novel ketolide class: Synthesis and antibacterial activity of a lead compound. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 17:5265-9. [PMID: 17681467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of a new class of ketolide antibiotics, exemplified by the prototype GW680788X (1), are described. The structure of (1) has been elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The good antibacterial activity shown by (1) in comparison with clarithromycin prompted us to consider this compound as a lead molecule for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Andreotti
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicine Research Centre, Via A Fleming 4, I-37135 Verona, Italy.
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Di Fabio R, Alvaro G, Bertani B, Donati D, Pizzi DM, Gentile G, Pentassuglia G, Giacobbe S, Spada S, Ratti E, Corsi M, Quartaroli M, Barnaby RJ, Vitulli G. Chiral tetrahydroquinoline derivatives as potent anti-hyperalgesic agents in animal models of sustained inflammation and chronic neuropathic pain. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 17:1176-80. [PMID: 17218099 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Revised: 12/07/2006] [Accepted: 12/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Chiral tetrahydroquinoline derivatives have been prepared by an asymmetric Mannich-type condensation reaction using commercially available vinyloxyethylsilane and a N-arylimino R-(+)-t-butyl lactate ester, in the presence of a catalytic amount of metal triflates as Lewis acids. This synthetic approach gave rise to the target aldehyde intermediate in moderate facial diastereoselectivity and in high chemical yield. This efficient route enabled to scale up the synthesis of an orally bioavailable glycine antagonist showing outstanding in vivo anti-hyperalgesic activity in different animal models of sustained inflammation and chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romano Di Fabio
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Via A. Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy.
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van Amsterdam FT, Giberti A, Mugnaini M, Ratti E. 3-[(±)-2-Carboxypiperazin-4-yl]propyl-1-Phosphonic Acid Recognizes Two N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Binding Sites in Rat Cerebral Cortex Membranes. J Neurochem 2006; 59:1850-5. [PMID: 1357101 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1992.tb11019.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Binding of 3-[(+-)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl][3H]-propyl-1-phosphonic acid ([3H]CPP), a competitive inhibitor of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), has been studied in synaptic plasma membranes from rat cerebral cortex. Computer analysis of saturation and homologous displacement isotherms deriving from these plasma membranes indicated the existence of two binding sites: a specific, saturable, high-affinity binding site with a pKD value of 7.53 +/- 0.03 (29.5 nM) and a maximum binding value (Bmax) of 2.25 +/- 0.36 pmol/mg of protein, and a low-affinity site with a KD of approximately 600 nM and a Bmax of 7.0 pmol/mg of protein. It is argued that, in the light of current literature evidence, the low-affinity binding site may represent an agonist-dependent receptor, linked to physiological processes such as neurotransmitter release and channel regulation, whereas the high-affinity binding site may be linked to an antagonist-preferred receptor, for which no function has yet been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- F T van Amsterdam
- Glaxo Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, Verona, Italy
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36
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Di Fabio R, Tranquillini E, Bertani B, Alvaro G, Micheli F, Sabbatini F, Pizzi MD, Pentassuglia G, Pasquarello A, Messeri T, Donati D, Ratti E, Arban R, Dal Forno G, Reggiani A, Barnaby RJ. Enantiomerically pure tetrahydroquinoline derivatives as in vivo potent antagonists of the glycine binding site associated to the NMDA receptor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2003; 13:3863-6. [PMID: 14552796 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2003.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To identify neuroprotective agents after stroke, new substituted tetrahydroquinoline derivatives were designed as antagonists of the glycine binding site associated to the NMDA receptor, satisfying the key pharmacophoric requirements. In particular, the racemate 3c exhibited outstanding in vivo activity in the MCAo model in rats, when given iv both pre- and post-ischemia. Pure enantiomers 3c-(+) and 3c-(-) have been prepared following an original synthetic route. Despite the significant difference of activity observed in vitro, they shown similar neuroprotective profile in the MCAo model in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romano Di Fabio
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline S.p.A, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy.
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37
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Carignani C, Mugnaini M, Ratti E, Corsi M, Dal Forno G, Quartaroli M, Arban R, Bettelini L, Di Fabio R, Ugolini A, Trist D. GV 196771A, a New Glycine Site Antagonist of the NMDA Receptor with Potent Antihyperalgesic Activity. Pain 2003. [DOI: 10.1201/9780203911259.ch47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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38
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Micheli F, Fabio RD, Cavanni P, Rimland JM, Capelli AM, Chiamulera C, Corsi M, Corti C, Donati D, Feriani A, Ferraguti F, Maffeis M, Missio A, Ratti E, Paio A, Pachera R, Quartaroli M, Reggiani A, Sabbatini FM, Trist DG, Ugolini A, Vitulli G. Synthesis and pharmacological characterisation of 2,4-dicarboxy-pyrroles as selective non-competitive mGluR1 antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2003; 11:171-83. [PMID: 12470711 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0896(02)00424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are an unusual family of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), and are characterised by a large extracellular N-terminal domain that contains the glutamate binding site. We have identified a new class of non-competitive metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) antagonists, 2,4-dicarboxy-pyrroles which are endowed with nanomolar potency. They interact within the 7 transmembrane (7TM) domain of the receptor and show antinociceptive properties when tested in a number of different animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Micheli
- GlaxoSmithkline Medicine Research Centre, Via Fleming, 4-37135 Verona, Italy.
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Abstract
Gavestinel [GV150526A; ( E)-3[(phenylcarbamoil)ethenyl]-4,6-dichloroindole-2-carboxylic acid sodium salt] is a selective antagonist at the strychnine-insensitive glycine site of the -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. It was tested for its ability to substitute for phencyclidine (PCP) in rats and rhesus monkeys trained to discriminate PCP from saline, under a two-lever fixed-ratio (FR) food reinforcement schedule, and for its ability to maintain responding in rhesus monkeys trained to self-administer PCP under a FR reinforcement schedule. No PCP-lever responding was observed after gavestinel (1-56 mg/kg i.p.) administration to rats discriminating PCP (2.0 mg/kg i.p.) from saline. The highest dose of gavestinel (100 mg/kg i.p.) tested eliminated responding. Likewise, no PCP-lever responding was observed after gavestinel (1-30 mg/kg s.c.) administration to rhesus monkeys discriminating PCP (0.08 or 0.1 mg/kg i.m.) from saline; the highest dose of gavestinel (30 mg/kg s.c.) tested reduced response rates to approximately 50% of those observed after its vehicle ( -cyclodextrin in 0.9% saline). Gavestinel (0.1-1 mg/kg per i.v. infusion) was not self-administered by rhesus monkeys that reliably self-administered PCP (0.0056 or 0.01 mg/kg per i.v. infusion). Infusion rates at the highest dose were typically lower than those for vehicle or saline, suggesting behavioral activity. Together, these results suggest that at behaviorally active doses gavestinel is not PCP-like and is likely to have low abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Beardsley
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Abstract
Many early discoveries in the pharmaceutical industry were through serendipity. Later, targets were mainly identified in animals and systematically exploited through the identification of potent and selective molecules. A disease association was normally obtained through the clinical testing of candidate molecules in patients. The technological advances in the last few years offer the possibility of knowing more about the disease, and this is driving the industry towards a disease-based approach where understanding the disease becomes central to the process. This is now possible thanks to the recent explosion in molecular and cellular biology, together with the application of genetics and genomics. New screening technologies have also revolutionized the identification of chemical leads. Now, high throughput screening allows a wide chemical diversity to be applied in order to obtain tractable leads, which can then be optimized by the medicinal chemist. It is envisaged that these trends of continuously searching for process improvement will continue, being driven by the need to find medicines that add value in treating unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ratti
- Glaxo Wellcome SpA Medicines Research Centre, Verona, Italy.
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41
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Ursini A, Capelli AM, Carr RAE, Cassarà P, Corsi M, Curcuruto O, Curotto G, Dal Cin M, Davalli S, Donati D, Feriani A, Finch H, Finizia G, Gaviraghi G, Marien M, Pentassuglia G, Polinelli S, Ratti E, Reggiani, Tarzia G, Tedesco G, Tranquillini ME, Trist DG, Van Amsterdam FTM. Synthesis and SAR of New 5-Phenyl-3-ureido-1,5-benzodiazepines as Cholecystokinin-B Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2000. [DOI: 10.1021/jm001100i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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42
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Ursini A, Capelli AM, Carr RA, Cassarà P, Corsi M, Curcuruto O, Curotto G, Dal Cin M, Davalli S, Donati D, Feriani A, Finch H, Finizia G, Gaviraghi G, Marien M, Pentassuglia G, Polinelli S, Ratti E, Reggiani AM, Tarzia G, Tedesco G, Tranquillini ME, Trist DG, Van Amsterdam FT, Reggiani A. Synthesis and SAR of new 5-phenyl-3-ureido-1,5-benzodiazepines as cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonists. J Med Chem 2000; 43:3596-613. [PMID: 11020274 DOI: 10.1021/jm990967h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A series of 5-phenyl-3-ureidobenzodiazepine-2,4-diones was synthesized and evaluated as cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptor antagonists. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed the importance of the N-1 substituent for potent and selective CCK-B affinity. Addition of substituents at the urea side chain provided in some cases more potent compounds. Moreover the introduction of bulky substituents such as adamantylmethyl at N-1 and resolution of the racemic ureas resulted in our lead compound GV150013.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ursini
- Glaxo Wellcome Medicines Research Centre, Via A. Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy.
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43
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Crespi F, Corsi M, Reggiani A, Ratti E, Gaviraghi G. Involvement of cholecystokinin within craving for cocaine: role of cholecystokinin receptor ligands. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2000; 9:2249-58. [PMID: 11060804 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.9.10.2249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In the brain, cholecystokinin (CCK) has been described to act as a central neurotransmitter or neuromodulator involved in functions such as food consumption, stress and anxiety. Recently, the CCK system has been involved in drug dependence phenomena and proposed to be correlated to a putative state of 'drug preferring' phenotype within free choice tests. CCK exerts its action in the CNS through at least two different G-protein coupled high affinity receptors, CCK1 and CCK2. Various selective CCK receptor agonists and antagonists have been synthesised. In particular, L-364,718 has been demonstrated to be a potent and selective CCK1 receptor antagonist, whereas L-365,260 is a potent and selective CCK2 receptor antagonist. More recently, GV150013 has been reported to be a highly selective CCK2 receptor antagonist. This paper reviews the putative role of the CCK system within drug dependence phenomena. In particular, it analyses the relationship between central CCK activity and the exhibition of spontaneous preference for drugs of abuse, such as cocaine or alcohol. The potential therapeutic role for CCK receptor antagonists is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Crespi
- Department of Biology, Glaxo Wellcome SpA, Medicines Research Centre, via Fleming 4, 37100 Verona, Italy.
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44
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Spinetta G, Ratti E. [Intestinal preparation with an osmotic solution for edema with double contrast media]. Radiol Med 2000; 100:240-4. [PMID: 11155450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the most effective way of cleansing the colon lumen for double contrast colon enema with a single preparation at osmotic effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 80 patients (age range: 29-84 years) and divided them into two groups. Group 1: patients (no. 41) were prepared with the traditional method consisting of a residue-free diet in the three days before the examination followed by the administration of a sennoside-based laxative the morning of the day before and a dose of magnesium sulphate in the afternoon, after the Genoa School method. Group 2: patients (no. 39) were prepared with a Phospholax solution according to the following administration schedule: one dose in the evening two days before the examination and four doses the day before, that is two in the afternoon and two in the evening, followed by abundant hydratation. The examination was performed in a double blind fashion and graded as follows: excellent, good, sufficient, poor. The statistical analysis of all data was performed with Student's t-test and the chi-square test. RESULTS We obtained better results with the new protocol than with the traditional one, where some patients discontinued the preparation because of intolerance (nausea, abdominal pain and swelling). In addition, more fecal residues were found in the colon with the first preparation, which however provided better contrast agent coating than the new protocol. The second preparation provided better mucosal cleansing, with more cases graded as excellent-good, and there were no cases of poor coating or electrolyte disturbances. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Intestinal preparation with Phospholax was better than the conventional method relative to compliance, intestinal cleansing and side-effects (in both the latter two cases, the difference is statistically significant, p < 0.01). In conclusion the new protocol is a possible alternative to the traditional method thanks to its ease of preparation and effective results.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Spinetta
- Dipartimento di Radiologia, ASL 5 Spezzino, Ospedale S. Bartolomeo, Sarzana SP.
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Di Fabio R, Conti N, Corsi M, Donati D, Gastaldi P, Gaviraghi G, Giacobbe S, Pentassuglia G, Quartaroli M, Ratti E, Trist D, Ugolini A. GV196771. DRUG FUTURE 2000. [DOI: 10.1358/dof.2000.025.02.566557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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46
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Quartaroli M, Carignani C, Dal Forno G, Mugnaini M, Ugolini A, Arban R, Bettelini L, Maraia G, Belardetti F, Reggiani A, Trist DG, Ratti E, Di Fabio R, Corsi M. Potent antihyperalgesic activity without tolerance produced by glycine site antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor GV196771A. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999; 290:158-69. [PMID: 10381772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Central sensitization is a condition of enhanced excitability of spinal cord neurons that contributes to the exaggerated pain sensation associated with chronic tissue or nerve injury. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are thought to play a key role in central sensitization. We have tested this hypothesis by characterizing in vitro and in vivo a novel antagonist of the NMDA receptor acting on its glycine site, GV196771A. GV196771A exhibited an elevated affinity for the NMDA glycine binding site in rat cerebral cortex membranes (pKi = 7.56). Moreover, GV196771A competitively and potently antagonized the activation of NMDA receptors produced by glycine in the presence of NMDA in primary cultures of cortical, spinal, and hippocampal neurons (pKB = 7.46, 8. 04, and 7.86, respectively). In isolated baby rat spinal cords, 10 microM GV196771A depressed wind-up, an electrical correlate of central sensitization. The antihyperalgesic properties of GV196771A were studied in a model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rat sciatic nerve and in the mice formalin test. In the CCI model GV196771A (3 mg/kg twice a day p.o.), administered before and then for 10 days after nerve ligature, blocked the development of thermal hyperalgesia. Moreover, GV196771A (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) reversed the hyperalgesia when tested after the establishment of the CCI-induced hyperalgesia. In the formalin test GV196771A (0.1-10 mg/kg p.o.) dose-dependently reduced the duration of the licking time of the late phase. These antihyperalgesic properties were not accompanied by development of tolerance. These observations strengthen the view that NMDA receptors play a key role in the events underlying plastic phenomena, including hyperalgesia. Moreover, antagonists of the NMDA glycine site receptor could represent a new analgesic class, effective in conditions not sensitive to classical opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Quartaroli
- GlaxoWellcome S.p.A., Medicines Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology, Verona, Italy.
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Di Fabio R, Cugola A, Donati D, Ferinai A, Gaviraghi G, Ratti E, Trist D, Reggiani A. Identification and pharmacological characterization of GV150526, a novel glycine antagonist as potent neuroprotective agent. DRUG FUTURE 1998. [DOI: 10.1358/dof.1998.023.01.442870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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48
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Crespi F, Corsi M, England T, Ratti E, Trist DG, Gaviraghi G. Spontaneous preference for ethanol in naive rats is influenced by cholecystokinin A receptor antagonism. Alcohol 1997; 14:327-32. [PMID: 9209547 DOI: 10.1016/s0741-8329(96)00179-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Naive adult male Wistar rats free to choose between water or 10% ethanol (v/v) spontaneously became water-preferring (WP) rats, as they drank mainly water (approximately 35 ml per day), or alcohol-drinking (ED) rats, as they also drank a significant amount of ethanol (approximately 14 ml per day). The selective CCKA receptor antagonist L-364,718 at doses selective for the CCKA receptor (5 micrograms/kg, IP) halved the consumption of alcohol of the ED rats without modifying their total liquid in-take. In contrast, the CCKB antagonists L-365,260 or GV150013 were without effect when used at doses selective for the CCKB receptor. These data indicate that the CCK system could be involved in the modulation of alcohol intake. In particular, they suggest that CCKA receptors could play a role in the ethanol preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Crespi
- Glaxo Wellcome S.p.A. Medicines Research Centre, Verona, Italy
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49
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Di Fabio R, Capelli AM, Conti N, Cugola A, Donati D, Feriani A, Gastaldi P, Gaviraghi G, Hewkin CT, Micheli F, Missio A, Mugnaini M, Pecunioso A, Quaglia AM, Ratti E, Rossi L, Tedesco G, Trist DG, Reggiani A. Substituted indole-2-carboxylates as in vivo potent antagonists acting as the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site. J Med Chem 1997; 40:841-50. [PMID: 9083472 DOI: 10.1021/jm960644a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A series of indole-2-carboxylates bearing suitable chains at the C-3 position of the indole nucleus was synthesized and evaluated in terms of in vitro affinity using [3H]glycine binding assay and in vivo potency by inhibition of convulsions induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in mice. 3-[2-[(Phenylamino)carbonyl]ethenyl]-4,6-dichloroindole-2-carboxyl ic acid (8) was an antagonist at the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site (noncompetitive inhibition of the binding of [3H]TCP, pA2 = 8.1) displaying nanomolar affinity for the glycine binding site (pKi = 8.5), coupled with high glutamate receptor selectivity (> 1000-fold relative to the affinity at the NMDA, AMPA, and kainate binding sites). This indole derivative inhibited convulsions induced by NMDA in mice, when administered by both iv and po routes (ED50 = 0.06 and 6 mg/kg, respectively). The effect of the substituents on the terminal phenyl ring of the C-3 side chain was investigated. QSAR analysis suggested that the pKi value decreases with lipophilicity and steric bulk of substituents and increases with the electron donor resonance effect of the groups present in the para position of the terminal phenyl ring. According to these results the terminal phenyl ring of the C-3 side chain should lie in a nonhydrophobic pocket of limited size, refining the proposed pharmacophore model of the glycine binding site associated with the NMDA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Di Fabio
- Glaxo Wellcome S.p.A., Medicines Research Centre, Verona, Italy.
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50
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Mugnaini M, van Amsterdam FT, Ratti E, Trist DG, Bowery NG. Regionally different N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors distinguished by ligand binding and quantitative autoradiography of [3H]-CGP 39653 in rat brain. Br J Pharmacol 1996; 119:819-28. [PMID: 8922727 PMCID: PMC1915925 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1996.tb15746.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Binding of D,L-(E)-2-amino-4-[3H]-propyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acid ([3H]-CGP 39653), a high affinity, selective antagonist at the glutamate site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, was investigated in rat brain by means of receptor binding and quantitative autoradiography techniques. 2. [3H]-CGP 39653 interacted with striatal and cerebellar membranes in a saturable manner and to a single binding site, with KD values of 15.5 nM and 10.0 nM and receptor binding densities (Bmax values) of 3.1 and 0.5 pmol mg-1 protein, respectively. These KD values were not significantly different from that previously reported in the cerebral cortex (10.7 nM). 3. Displacement analyses of [3H]-CGP 39653 in striatum and cerebellum, performed with L-glutamic acid, 3-((+/-)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) and glycine showed a pharmacological profile similar to that reported in the cerebral cortex. L-Glutamic acid and CPP produced complete displacement of specific binding with Ki values not significantly different from the cerebral cortex. Glycine inhibited [3H]CGP 39653 binding with shallow, biphasic curves, characterized by a high and a low affinity component. Furthermore, glycine discriminated between these regions (P < 0.005, one-way ANOVA), since the apparent Ki of the high affinity component of the glycine inhibition curve (KiH) was significantly lower (Fisher's protected LSD) in the striatum than the cortex (33 nM and 104 nM, respectively). 4. Regional binding of [3H]-CGP 39653 to horizontal sections of rat brain revealed a heterogeneous distribution of binding sites, similar to that reported for other radiolabelled antagonists at the NMDA site (D-2-[3H]-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid ([3H]-D-AP5) and [3H]-CPP). High values of binding were detected in the hippocampal formation, cerebral cortex and thalamus, with low levels in striatum and cerebellum. 5. [3H]-CGP 39653 binding was inhibited by increasing concentrations of L-glutamic acid, CPP and glycine. L-Glutamic acid and CPP completely displaced specific binding in all regions tested, with similar IC50 values throughout. Similarly, glycine was able to inhibit the binding in all areas considered: 10 microM and 1 mM glycine reduced the binding to 80% and 65% of control (average between areas) respectively. The percentage of specific [3H]-CGP 39653 binding inhibited by 1 mM glycine varied among regions (P < 0.05, two-ways ANOVA). Multiple comparison, performed by Fisher's protected LSD method, showed that the inhibition was lower in striatum (72% of control), with respect to cortex (66% of control) and hippocampal formation (58% of control). 6. The inhibitory action of 10 microM glycine was reversed by 100 microM 7-chloro-kynurenic acid (7-CKA), a competitive antagonist of the glycine site of the NMDA receptor channel complex, in all areas tested. Moreover, reversal by 7-CKA was not the same in all regions (P < 0.05, two-ways ANOVA). In fact, in the presence of 10 microM glycine and 100 microM 7-KCA, specific [3H]-CGP 39653 binding in the striatum was 131% of control, which was significantly greater (Fisher's protected LSD) than binding in the hippocampus and the thalamus (104% and 112% of control, respectively). 7. These results demonstrate that [3H]-CGP 39653 binding can be inhibited by glycine in rat brain regions containing NMDA receptors; moreover, they suggest the existence of regionally distinct NMDA receptor subtypes with a different allosteric mechanism of [3H]-CGP 39653 binding modulation through the associated glycine site.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mugnaini
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Glaxo Wellcome S.p.A., Verona, Italy
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