Kinases Inhibitors
Summary:
Kinases are an intracellular communications network that cells use to communicate stimuli from the cell membrane to the nucleus so it can react to its environment,” explains Jeffry Vaught, Ph.D.[1] One of the functions of kinases in the cell is to communicate when it is time for apoptosis: a mechanism that enables organisms to eliminate cells that are no longer needed or are seriously damaged. In a neurological disease like Parkinson’s disease, the apoptosis of neurons is an unwanted event.[2] Kinases inhibitors work by interfering with the function of apoptosis. Another term for this is kinases apopotis inhibitors.
Potential benefits:
Risks:
Past research:
PRECEPT - Cephalon/Lundbeck phase II/III clinical trial of CEP-1347.
CEP-1347 is a small molecule inhibitor of the mixed-lineage kinase (MLK) family of kinases. In cell cultures and animal models, CEP-1347 has shown the ability to slow cell death. CEP-1347 showed potential to both retard Parkinson’s disease progression and also reverse the severity of symptoms by improving the function of surviving neurons.[3]
In May 2005 Cephalon halted the CEP-1347 trial after interim results were reviewed. They concluded that the data were "unlikely to provide evidence of significant effect."[4]
CEP-1347 was a multi-year, 800-patient Phase II/III clinical trial in collaboration with H. Lundbeck A/S. The trial ended on May 11, 2005.[4][5]
[1] Cephalon, Interview with Jeffry Vaught, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, and President of Research and Development
[2] Cephalon, March 10, 2005
[3] Abstract: Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Vol. 44: 451-474 (Volume publication date February 2004), (doi:10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.44.101802.121840) First posted online on September 8, 2003
[4] Cephalon and H. Lundbeck Announce Discontinuation of CEP-1347 Clinical Trial in Parkinson's Disease, 5/11/05
[5] Cephalon, retrieved date: March 10, 2005
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