HT-0712, also known as IPL-455903, is an experimental

cognitive Cognition refers to "the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses". It encompasses all aspects of intellectual functions and processes such as: perception, attention, thought, ...

enhancing

drug A drug is any chemical substance that causes a change in an organism's physiology or psychology when consumed. Drugs are typically distinguished from food and substances that provide nutritional support. Consumption of drugs can be via insuffla ...

( nootropic) which is currently undergoing

clinical trials Clinical trials are prospective biomedical or behavioral research studies on human participants designed to answer specific questions about biomedical or behavioral interventions, including new treatments (such as novel vaccines, drugs, dietar ...

. 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.

Mechanism of action

HT-0712 appears to act as a

PDE4 inhibitor A phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, commonly referred to as a PDE4 inhibitor, is a drug used to block the degradative action of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). It is a member of the larger family of PDE inhibitor ...

, thereby increasing

cAMP Camp may refer to: Outdoor accommodation and recreation * Campsite or campground, a recreational outdoor sleeping and eating site * a temporary settlement for nomads * Camp, a term used in New England, Northern Ontario and New Brunswick to descri ...

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. 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.

References

External links

United States Patent 20040224316

PDF file regarding Helicon's commencement of Phase I trials
{{Phosphodiesterase inhibitors Lactams Nootropics PDE4 inhibitors Phenol ethers Cyclopentyl compounds 3-Tolyl compounds