Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC: COGN) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The company's lead program, CT1812 (selenex), is a novel sigma-2 receptor antagonist that targets the synaptic damage underlying cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease[1].
Founded in 2005 as a spinout from the University of Florida, Cognition has pioneered the development of sigma-2 receptor modulators for neurodegenerative diseases. The company was acquired by Novartis in 2022, integrating its pipeline into Novartis's neuroscience development programs[2].
| Program | Target/Mechanism | Indication | Phase | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT1812 (Selenex) | Sigma-2 receptor antagonist | Alzheimer's disease | Phase 2 | Clinical |
| CT1812 | Sigma-2 receptor antagonist | Dementia with Lewy Bodies | Phase 2 | Planning |
| CT1812 | Sigma-2 receptor antagonist | Dry age-related macular degeneration | Phase 1 | Completed |
| CT1964 | Sigma-2 receptor antagonist | Parkinson's disease | Preclinical | Research |
CT1812 is a first-in-class small molecule that selectively targets the sigma-2 receptor, a key regulator of synaptic function and neuronal survival:
Synaptic Protection:
Key Properties:
Phase 1 Studies:
Completed Phase 1 studies demonstrating:
Phase 2 Study (START):
The Phase 2 START study in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease is evaluating:
The sigma-2 receptor is a unique transmembrane protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. It plays critical roles in:
Synaptic loss is the strongest pathological correlate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease:
Acquired by: Novartis (2022)
Headquarters: Now part of Novartis Neuroscience
Founded: 2005 (as Cognescent Therapeutics)
Key Programs: Integrated into Novartis pipeline
Key Focus Areas:
In 2022, Novartis acquired Cognition Therapeutics to strengthen its neuroscience pipeline:
Synaptic Dysfunction
Sigma-2 Receptor
Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
Novartis