HT-0712 explained

HT-0712, also known as IPL-455903,^[1] is an experimental cognitive enhancing drug (nootropic) which is currently undergoing clinical trials. It is currently being licensed by Helicon Therapeutics in San Diego, California. It was originally discovered and tested as part of a preclinical anti-inflammatory program by Inflazyme Pharmaceuticals.^[2]

Mechanism of action

HT-0712 appears to act as a PDE4 inhibitor, thereby increasing cAMP levels. When cAMP levels are increased in neurons, this may trigger the activation of cAMP response element-binding proteins (CREB). CREBs are transcription factors involved in the formation of long-term memory.^[2]

The side effects of the drug are not yet fully known.

Research

A 2014 study found that HT-0712 significantly boosted memory formation in mice. Data also indicated that HT-0712 may be effective to treat age-associated memory impairment in humans.^[3]

External links

• United States Patent 20040224316
• PDF file regarding Helicon's commencement of Phase I trials

Notes and References

1. Giembycz MA . Can the anti-inflammatory potential of PDE4 inhibitors be realized: guarded optimism or wishful thinking? . British Journal of Pharmacology . 155 . 3 . 288–290 . October 2008 . 18660832 . 2567889 . 10.1038/bjp.2008.297 .
2. MacDonald E, Van der Lee H, Pocock D, Cole C, Thomas N, VandenBerg PM, Bourtchouladze R, Kleim JA . 6 . A novel phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, HT-0712, enhances rehabilitation-dependent motor recovery and cortical reorganization after focal cortical ischemia . Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair . 21 . 6 . 486–496 . 2007 . 17823313 . 10.1177/1545968307305521 . free .
3. Peters M, Bletsch M, Stanley J, Wheeler D, Scott R, Tully T . The PDE4 inhibitor HT-0712 improves hippocampus-dependent memory in aged mice . Neuropsychopharmacology . 39 . 13 . 2938–2948 . December 2014 . 24964813 . 4229572 . 10.1038/npp.2014.154 .