Intepirdine Explained

Intepirdine (INN; developmental codes SB-742457, RVT-101)^[1] is a selective 5-HT₆ receptor antagonist with potential cognition, memory, and learning-enhancing effects.^{[2] [3]} It was under development by GlaxoSmithKline for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and demonstrated some preliminary efficacy in phase II clinical trials.^[3] GSK chose not to continue development and sold the rights to Axovant Sciences for $5 million in December 2014.^[4]

Results of a phase III clinical trial for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease were reported in September 2017.^[5] The trial showed no improvement over control group and Axovant lost 70% of its value upon the announcement of the trial results.^[6]

Intepirdine also entered clinical trials for dementia with Lewy bodies, also with negative results.^[7] Consequently, Axovant announced in 2018 that it has discontinued development of this drug.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Intepirdine - Axovant Sciences / GlaxoSmithKline. AdisInsight. 9 January 2018. en.
2. Upton N, Chuang TT, Hunter AJ, Virley DJ . 5-HT6 receptor antagonists as novel cognitive enhancing agents for Alzheimer's disease . Neurotherapeutics . 5 . 3 . 458–69 . July 2008 . 18625457 . 10.1016/j.nurt.2008.05.008. 5084247 .
3. Rossé G, Schaffhauser H . 5-HT(6) Receptor Antagonists as Potential Therapeutics for Cognitive Impairment . Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry . 10. 2. 207–21. February 2010 . 20166958 . 10.2174/156802610790411036.
4. News: Lowe. Derek. An Alzheimer's IPO, Because Why Not. In the Pipeline. 12 May 2015.
5. News: Fiore. Kristina. NeuroBreak: Alzheimer's Drug Bombs; Elephant Tranquilizer ODs. MedPage Today. 27 September 2016. en.
6. News: Garde. Damian. Another Alzheimer's failure: Axovant's drug flops in late-stage trial. STAT. 26 September 2017.
7. News: Axovant slumps as it dumps lead drug intepirdine . Fierce Biotech . Jan 8, 2018. Taylor. Phil.