Dexpramipexole

Dexpramipexole(KNS-760704), also known as R-(+)-Pramipexole, is a neuroprotective agent and weak non-ergoline dopamine agonist. IC50 Value:Target: Dopamine ReceptorDexpramipexole has been found to have neuroprotective effects and is being investigated for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dexpramipexole reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inhibits the activation of apoptotic pathways, and increase cell survival in response to a variety of neurotoxins and β-amyloid neurotoxicity. Compared to the S-(-) isomer, Dexpramipexole has much lower dopamine agonist activity.

[1]. Rudnicki SA, Berry JD, Ingersoll E, et al. Dexpramipexole effects on functional decline and survival in subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a Phase II study: subgroup analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics. Amyotroph Lateral Scler [2]. Alavian KN, Dworetzky SI, Bonanni L, et al. Effects of dexpramipexole on brain mitochondrial conductances and cellular bioenergetic efficiency. Brain Res. 2012 Mar 29;1446:1-11. [3]. Cudkowicz M, Bozik ME, Ingersoll EW, et al. The effects of dexpramipexole (KNS-760704) in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Med. 2011 Nov 20;17(12):1652-6. [4]. Bozik ME, Mather JL, Kramer WG, et al. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of KNS-760704 (dexpramipexole) in healthy adult subjects. J Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;51(8):1177-85. [5]. Cheah BC, Kiernan MC. Dexpramipexole, the R(+) enantiomer of pramipexole, for the potential treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. IDrugs. 2010 Dec;13(12):911-20.