Sarizotan

Sarizotan is a drug that was initially developed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. It is a selective 5-HT1A receptor and D2 receptor partial agonist. Sarizotan was developed by Merck KGaA, a German multinational pharmaceutical, chemical and life sciences company.

History

Sarizotan was first synthesized in the late 1990s as a potential treatment for neurological disorders. Early clinical trials showed promise in treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. However, further development was halted due to a lack of efficacy in larger clinical trials.

Mechanism of Action

Sarizotan acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A and D2 receptors. The 5-HT1A receptor is a subtype of the 5-HT receptor that binds the neurotransmitter serotonin, and is thought to be responsible for the regulation of mood and anxiety. The D2 receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds the neurotransmitter dopamine, and is involved in numerous neurological processes including motivation, pleasure, and reward.

Clinical Trials

In the early 2000s, Sarizotan underwent clinical trials for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. The drug showed promise in early trials, but failed to show significant efficacy in larger, phase III trials. As a result, Merck KGaA discontinued the development of Sarizotan for these indications.

In 2015, the drug was repurposed for the treatment of Rett syndrome, a rare genetic postnatal neurological disorder. The drug is currently in phase III clinical trials for this indication.

Potential Uses

While Sarizotan has not been approved for any indications, it is currently being studied for potential use in treating Rett syndrome. The drug has shown promise in early trials, and if successful, could provide a much-needed treatment option for this rare disorder.

See Also

• 5-HT1A receptor
• D2 receptor
• Parkinson's disease
• Schizophrenia
• Rett syndrome