Development of new compound that facilitate motor function recovery after brain injury

Abstract

The central nervous system injury such as stroke can severely cause the motor paralysis. Although the approach of the rehabilitative training is developed, many patients still face the restrictions in their daily living after rehabilitation. Thereby, a new compound with strong potential to enhance motor function recovery with rehabilitation is an unmet medical needs. We focus on the one of glutamate receptors, AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor, which plays an important role in learning and memory. Here, we found a novel small low molecular compound, edonerpic-maleic acid edonerpic MA), facilitated experience-dependent synaptic AMPA receptor delivery in barrel cortex and dramatically accelerated motor function recovery after brain damage in rodent model. Furthermore, edonerpic MA enhanced the upper limb function recovery of macaque monkeys with the internal capsule hemorrhage. Currently, a phase 2 clinical trial is being conducted to verify the efficacy of edonerpic MA in stroke patients and has attracted global attention.