Some explanation Part III
The problem with NMDA blockers are side effects. Since glutamate is such a common transmitter and the NMDA receptor is present on all neurons, blocking the NMDA receptor can have widespread effects on the nervous system. A blanket blockade of NMDA receptors would have devastating effects. Many NMDA receptor blockers produce major psychological side effects such as halucinations. In fact the drug of abuse "angel dust" is an NMDA receptor blocker. It is these side effects that have defeated most NMDA receptor blockers in clinical trials. They have either major side effects or, if used in a low enough dose that the side effects don't occur, lack efficacy.
The reason that memantine can work where other NMDA blockers have failed is that memantine is an open channel blocker with fast attachment kinetics. Let me translate. Memantine does not block the receptor unless it is already open. In other words, glutamate is still able to affect the NMDA receptor and affect the receiving cell. However, once the NMDA receptor opens the ion channel then memantine can block further activation of the receptor. Memantine can then disrupt overactivation but not normal activation. It allows normal transmission to occur, but stops it from going too far and becoming toxic. In this way it be effective in protecting neurons without affecting their normal operation.
The bottom line on all of this is that NTII's memantine has monstrous potential. It can neuroprotect without serious side effects. There are a large number kinds of injuries and diseases of the nervous system. Memantine has the potential to be useful for the treatment of all of them. The size of the market is mind boggling. NTII has chosen to study two possible uses in particular; AIDS dementia complex and neuropathic pain. NTII's partner, Merz, has chosen to study Alzheimers disease and other senile dementias. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg for memantines potential.
This is why I am so excited about memantine and NTII. This is a drug that has been shown to be safe and effective and address huge underserved markets. How NTII can sneak by so unnoticed and undervalued is a mystery to me. Memantine has the potential to produce a revenue stream for NTII that can justify a stock value 20 or 30 times its current level. If NTII does nothing else but, market memantine and collect royalties, it will be a cash machine. By early next year, the magnitude of this bonanza should be apparent as the clinical trial results roll out.
Needless to say, I'm invested up to my ears in NTII and am expecting to reap a major reward.
Best regards
John de C |
