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AstraZeneca and Targacept developing memory pill
19 Jan 2009
Clinical Research
A new memory drug which could help with exam revision is being developed by AstraZeneca and may soon be available from chemists.
The pharmaceuticals giant is collaborating with US firm Targacept to adapt a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, aiming to produce a weaker form of the drug for sale over the counter.
Epix Pharmaceuticals is also working on a similar project to produce a memory-enhancing pill.
"My view is that one could gain approval, provided you showed the drugs to be effective and safe. It could be a huge market," said Steven Ferris, neurologist and former committee member of the US Food and Drug and Administration.
AstraZeneca and Targacept recently collaborated in trials of a schizophrenia drug but were forced to suspend them as the treatment did not meet the research criteria for statistical significance.
Bob Holland, vice president and head of the neuroscience therapy area at AstraZeneca, said at the time that the firms will continue to develop treatments for cognitive disorders based on targeting neuronal nicotinic receptors.
