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 such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, ADHD, schizophrenia, and anxiety, with a requirement for orally deliverable forms.

Innovation Solution

Development of compounds represented by specific chemical formulas that act as partial agonists or modulators of NMDA receptors, capable of binding to the glycine site, offering enhanced potency and therapeutic index, and formulated for oral, intravenous, or subcutaneous administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing partial agonists like GLYX-13 are used to bind to the glycine binding site of NMDA receptors, then some therapeutic effect is achieved, but potency and therapeutic index are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic indexVSAvoidpotency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying chemical structures (changing R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 parameters) to optimize the balance between potency and therapeutic index. The chemical formulas present multiple substitutable positions that allow fine-tuning of molecular properties to achieve enhanced efficacy while maintaining safety margins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite molecular structures combining multiple functional groups and structural elements in specific configurations. The compounds integrate various chemical moieties (aromatic rings, heterocyclic groups, substituent patterns) to create molecules with superior binding characteristics and pharmacological profiles compared to simpler existing agonists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If novel compounds with enhanced potency are developed, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but oral deliverability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidoral deliverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies molecular parameters including molecular weight, lipophilicity, hydrogen bonding capacity, and structural rigidity to optimize oral bioavailability. The chemical structures are designed with specific substituent patterns (R1-R11) that can be adjusted to achieve the right balance between potency and pharmacokinetic properties necessary for oral administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific functional groups and structural features at particular positions within the molecular framework. Different regions of the molecule are optimized for specific functions: some areas enhance binding affinity at the glycine site, while other regions improve solubility, stability, and absorption characteristics for oral delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2771021B1NMDA receptor modulators and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 NORTHWESTERN UNIV
  • EP2771021B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2771021B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2771021B1 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 disorders, such 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.