Neuroprotective Compounds to Treat ParkinsonΓÇÖs Disease

Mito-apocynins are novel, mitochondria-targeting apocynin derivatives that prevent the development of ParkinsonΓÇÖs disease (PD)-like symptoms such as loss of coordinated motor function and hyposmia (deficits in sense of smell) in mouse models for PD. Apocynin is a naturally-occurring molecule previously shown to protect dopaminergic neuronal cells in an MPTP model of PD. Mito-apocynins are apocynin linked to a mitochondria-targeting triphenylphosphonium cation moiety (TPP+) via carbon chain linkers, thus enhancing cell-permeability and enabling selective targeting to mitochondria. Mito-apocynins are 60 to 100-fold more potent in vivo than other neuroprotective forms of apocynin (e.g., diapocynin), exerting significant neuroprotective effects with no apparent toxicity when administered orally (3 mg/kg), 3 times per week for up to 12 months. James Antczak jantczak@mcw.edu 414-955-4894