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Product Candidate (or Clinical Compound)
A molecule that is selected at the end of preclinical
studies to be the subject of the clinical phase of
development.
Randomized/randomization
Study participants are usually assigned to groups in
such a way that each participant has an equal chance
of being assigned to each treatment (or control) group.
Since randomization ensures that no specific criteria
are used to assign any patients to a particular group,
all the groups should be comparable.
Receptor
A protein complex within a cell or on the membrane
surface characterized by selective binding of a
specific substance and a specific physiologic effect
that accompanies the binding.
Reuptake
Reuptake is the process by which a neurotransmitter,
after it has performed its function of transmitting
a neural impulse, is transported back into the cell for
reuse.
Substantia nigra
An area of the brain where there are cell bodies of
dopaminergic neurons projecting to the striatum,
a circuit involved in motor control. The death of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra is one of the
causes of PD.
Titration-up
Administration of small incremental doses of a drug
until a desired clinical effect is reached.
Tricyclic
Molecular structures which contain three rings of
atoms. The term “tricyclic antidepressant” is related
to imipramine, desimipramine, amitriptyline, etc.
Tetrodotoxin
A potent neurotoxin, extracted from puffer fish, that
binds and blocks the great majority of sodium ion
channels in cellular membranes.
Tetrodotoxin-resistant
A sodium ion channel which is resistant to the blocking
activity of TTX.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes
a neuropsychiatric and mental disorder characterized
by abnormalities in the perception or expression
of reality. It most commonly manifests as auditory hallucinations,
paranoid or bizarre delusions, or
disorganized speech and thinking with significant
social or occupational dysfunction. Onset of symptoms
typically occurs in young adulthood, with
around 0.4 – 0.6% of the population affected. Diagnosis
is based on the patient’s self-reported experiences
and observed behaviour.
Substance P
Substance P is a neuropeptide: a short-chain
polypeptide that functions as a neurotransmitter
and as a neuromodu lator. It is a molecule that acts
as a messenger for the sensation of pain.
Tetrodotoxin-sensitive
A sodium ion channel which is sensitive to the blocking
activity of TTX.
Tyramine
A monoamine compound derived from the amino acid
tyrosine, a member of the phenethylamine family.
UPDRS
The Unified Parkinson’s disease Rating Scale is the
standard tool for tracking Parkinson’s disease progress
and response to therapy, subdivided into three scales
including cognitive and mood aspects (Part I), Activities
of Daily Living (Part II) and motor aspects symptoms
(Part III), as well as dyskinesia aspects (Part IV). A lower
score indicates a better condition than a higher score.
74 Newron Annual Report 2011