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:
- Neuroprotective
- Slows cell death
- Retards disease progression
- Reverses the severity of symptoms by improving the function of surviving
neurons
Risks:
- Turning off cell death may lead to increased risk of cancer
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
|
