Ampakines are a class of proprietary drugs that are being developed by Cortex Pharmaceuticals and its partners. These compounds are thought to be potentially useful in improving memory and concentration in people who have ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease. Many are hopeful that the drugs will help improve cognition and performance in those that are normal and healthy.

There have been several studies published on ampakines. A recent study from earlier this year seemed to show one ampakines effectiveness for treating ADHD.

A study that will appear in the August issue of the Journal of Neurophysiology seems to show the mechanism by which ampakines boost memory and learning in middle-aged rats:

• First, long-term potentiation is enhanced
• Secondly, brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) increased in the hippocampus

Ampakines have not been approved yet for use by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical trials are still being conducted. Unfortunately, on March 31, 2006, the FDA called Cortex Pharmaceuticals and told them they must place their clinical research on hold due to ampakine safety issues.

Share This Post: