Novel drug for Alzheimer's Disease?

Researchers have reported the novel compound with neurotrophic activity for cognitive enhancement and alzheimer's disease (AD). They previously found pyrazole derivative of curcumin called CNB001 (structure 1) with broad neuroprotective effects (J. Neurochem, 2008, 105, 1336). Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in aromatic ring, the compound was believed to be modified by sulfation and carbohydrate addition in vivo which limits the brain penetration.

Therefore, the authors prepared the derivatives of CNB-001 without the hydroxyl groups but retaining neuroprotective activity. In this process, they discovered a new compound CNB-023 (structure 2). They did futher modifications to find more potent compound called J147 (structure 3) which has the ability to enhance memory in normal animals as well as to prevent memory deficits in AD transgenic mice.

Authors conclude that J147 has a potential as an alzheimer's disease therapeutic.

For experimental details please refer to PLOS one.