Dr. Varney: Cortex Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience company focused on the discovery and clinical development of a technology that we call AMPAKINEs. This platform represents a novel and extremely broad approach to treating both psychiatric and neurological indications. AMPAKINE compounds are small molecules that positively modulate a protein in the brain called the AMPA-type glutamate receptor. Through these interactions, AMPAKINEs amplify communications between brain cells and correct underlying deficits in brain function. As I said, the AMPAKINE platform is extremely broad, and it provides an opportunity for us to focus on several different brain disorders. And really there are three areas in which we focus. The first is diseases associated with deficits in attention, cognition and memory. For example, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. The second area is diseases associated with the central control of breathing or respiration. Now it's known that analgesic drugs such as opioids and anesthetic agents can slow or even stop the breathing of an individual through their actions within the brain. We've shown in clinical studies that AMPAKINEs can prevent opioid-induced respiratory depression, which is the most serious side effect of opioids, without impacting the beneficial, pain-relieving properties of opioids. The third area of focus for us is neurodegenerative diseases that include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and a recovery following brain damage, such as stroke. In terms of our most advanced compounds, we have two AMPAKINEs currently in clinical development. Both of them are in Phase II, one of them is called CX717, and this is being targeted to the treatment of respiratory depression. The second compound is called CX1739. This is currently in a clinical study to treat sleep apnea, and they will be going into a second clinical study early next year in adults with ADHD.
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