The selection of novel chemical entities that have a reasonable chance of showing clinical efficacy in AD patients is challenging.
Objective
The aim of this article is to outline the steps involved in a selection process that can result in the identification of potential preclinical candidates.
Methods
We used a cellular model of injured hippocampal neurons, for the validation of the association of the targets considered (acetylcholinesterase and 5-HT4 receptor) and for the selection of multi-target ligands active in cellulo. The mechanism of the plural action of the best compound, we called neocopride, was deciphered using several in cellulo approaches. Finally, the protective effect of neocopride against short-term memory impairment was investigated in mice intoxicated with amyloid- β peptide.
Results
Our results show that neocopride displays strong protective effects against short-term memory disorders after oral administration at a dose of 3 mg/kg.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that neocopride is a promising drug candidate It is currently undergoing preclinical regulatory trials for AD.
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