Abbott Targets Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors for Treatment of Pain and Cognition
Based on a growing body of scientific knowledge related to neurotransmitters, the scientific community is now targeting neuronal nicotinic receptors (NNRs), found on nerve cells throughout the central nervous system, to treat a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders. NNRs modulate the release of several important neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine, that nerve cells use to communicate to one another in order to maintain a wide range of cognitive functions including memory and attention.
Abbott researchers are currently developing selective NNR compounds, which act as agonists (drugs that stimulate activity at cell receptors) at specific NNR sites in the body, for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and pain – conditions for which there are still significant unmet needs in spite of available treatment options. Scientists from independent academic institutions and Abbott will present data on these compounds at the Neuroscience 2007 satellite symposium entitled "Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors as Therapeutic Targets: Emerging Frontiers in Basic Research and Clinical Science." The meeting takes place October 31 to November 2 at the San Diego Convention Center, preceding the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.
Learn more in the press release.
