– Data on novel PDE2 inhibitor BCA909 presented at 24th ECNP Congress in Paris –
biocrea, a biopharmaceutical company focusing on novel treatments for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), today announced data on its innovative CNS-penetrating PDE2 inhibitor. The compound, which is code-named BCA909, was selected as a candidate for preclinical development earlier this year. It demonstrates strong potential for the treatment of diseases in which normal learning and memory is impaired, e.g. mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Details on the compound were presented at the 24th ECNP Congress of the European College of Neuropharmacology in Paris, France (Sept. 3-7, 2011).
To date, few PDE2 inhibitors have been pharmacologically characterized. While initial findings have been encouraging, suggesting pro-cognitive and anxiolytic efficacy, the compounds did not enter the brain in sufficient quantities. With BCA909, biocrea has developed a novel, potent and selective PDE2 inhibitor with excellent CNS penetration and an efficacy and safety profile suitable for further development for multiple disease indications.
During the ECNP congress, biocrea presented data from extensive preclinical studies in vitro and in animal models of learning and memory. The key findings demonstrate that BCA909 delivers significant pro-cognitive activity in models of cognitive impairment resulting from either disruption of cholinergic or glutamatergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, BCA909 does not induce tolerance, indicating that maintained pro-cognitive efficacy, achieved through modulation of multiple neurotransmitter systems, can be delivered by the novel PDE2 mechanism of action.
