Pridopidine Modulation of Default Mode Network Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease and associated cognitive deficits lack effective therapies to improve cognitive function, particularly in relation to dysfunction within the default mode network (DMN) of the brain.

Innovation Solution

Administration of pridopidine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts to enhance functional connectivity within the DMN, specifically in regions like the insula, parietal, and temporal cortex, thereby improving cognitive functions affected by DMN dysfunction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current treatments for Alzheimer's disease are used, then existing therapy options are maintained, but cognitive function improvement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecognitive function improvementVSAvoidtherapy effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces pridopidine, a novel compound with dopaminergic stabilizing properties, to change the pharmacological parameter profile of Alzheimer's treatment. This new substance acts on dopamine transmission systems to improve cognitive function, representing a parameter change from existing therapeutic approaches that have proven insufficient for cognitive improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pridopidine is administered to enhance DMN functional connectivity, then cognitive function is improved, but the mechanism of action requires new dopaminergic stabilizing compounds

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDMN functional connectivityVSAvoiddrug mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Pridopidine serves as an intermediary substance that mediates between dopamine transmission systems and DMN functional connectivity. The compound stabilizes dopaminergic activity, which in turn enhances connectivity within the default mode network, acting as a bridge between neurotransmitter regulation and network-level cognitive function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pharmacological parameter space by introducing dopaminergic stabilizing compounds that specifically target dopamine transmission. This parameter change enables modulation of DMN connectivity through a novel mechanism distinct from existing Alzheimer's therapies, achieving reliable cognitive improvement through controlled dopaminergic stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11471449B2Use of pridopidine to improve cognitive function and for treating Alzheimer's disease

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 PRILENIA NEUROTHERAPEUTICS LTD

AI summary

This invention provides a method of improving cognitive function in a subject comprising periodically administering to the subject an amount of pridopidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to improve a cognitive function in the subject.The invention also provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with Alzheimer's disease, comprising periodically administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of pridopidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to treat the subject.