NMDA Receptor Modulators for Neuropathic Pain

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for novel and more specific/potent compounds that can bind to the glycine binding site of NMDA receptors, providing pharmaceutical benefits, particularly for CNS disorders, and a need for orally deliverable forms of such compounds.

Innovation Solution

Development of compounds represented by Formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, and N-oxides, which act as partial agonists or modulators of NMDA receptors, capable of altering postsynaptic NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents and enhancing or reducing NMDA receptor activity as needed, formulated for oral administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing partial agonists like GLYX-13 are used to modulate NMDA receptors, then some therapeutic effect is achieved, but potency and specificity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidpotency and specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying chemical structures (Formula I with various substituents R1-R8, Ra-Rc) to optimize binding affinity and selectivity at the glycine site. This involves changing molecular parameters such as substituent types, positions, and configurations to achieve enhanced potency and specificity compared to existing compounds like GLYX-13

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If novel compounds with enhanced potency are developed, then therapeutic effectiveness improves, but oral deliverability and pharmaceutical formulation become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidoral deliverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies chemical parameters including molecular weight, lipophilicity, and functional groups in Formula I to balance potency with oral bioavailability. The structural variations (different R groups, stereoisomers, N-oxides) are designed to maintain pharmacological activity while improving pharmaceutical properties for oral administration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops composite pharmaceutical compositions combining the novel NMDA modulator compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers, and formulation agents. This creates optimized dosage forms that enhance oral deliverability while maintaining the therapeutic effectiveness of the active compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2331571B1NMDA receptor modulators and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2015.08.26 NORTHWESTERN UNIV
  • EP2331571B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP2331571B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP2331571B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of diseases and disordersuch as learning, cognitive activities, and analgesia, particularly in alleviating and/or reducing neuropathic pain. Orally available formulations and other pharmaceutically acceptable delivery forms of the compounds, including intravenous formulations, are also disclosed.