Pozanicline

Pozanicline (also known as ABT-089) is a drug that acts as a partial agonist at neural nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It is developed by the pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories. It has nootropic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects and has been researched for use in treating Alzheimer's disease and ADHD.

Pharmacology

Pozanicline binds to and activates the α4β2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the brain. This receptor subtype is thought to be involved in memory and attention processes, and is also the target of nicotine, which is the addictive component of tobacco. Pozanicline has a similar mechanism of action to nicotine, but with less addictive potential.

Clinical Trials

Pozanicline has been through Phase II clinical trials for both Alzheimer's disease and ADHD. In the Alzheimer's disease trial, it was found to improve cognitive function, but not to a statistically significant degree. In the ADHD trial, it was found to improve symptoms, but again not to a statistically significant degree. Both trials reported a low incidence of side effects.

Potential Uses

Despite the lack of statistically significant results in clinical trials, pozanicline continues to be researched for potential therapeutic uses. Its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects suggest it may have potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Its nootropic effects suggest it may have potential in treating cognitive disorders such as dementia and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia.

See Also

• Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
• Nootropic
• Neuroprotection
• Anti-inflammatory

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