About CPP-115

CPP-115 is one of a group of novel GABA aminotransferase inhibitors and derivatives of vi­ga­ba­trin discovered by Northwestern University. CPP-115, an analog of CPP-109, is being developed by Catalyst under the patents licensed from North­west­ern in August 2009. Read about Catalyst's licenses here.

CPP-115 has two potentially significant advantages compared to CPP-109. First, CPP-115 may not cause the visual field defects associated with chronic administration of vigabatrin and second, CPP-115 has been shown to be at least 200 times more potent than CPP-109 in both in vitro and animal model studies. The increased potency could enable the development of superior or alternative dosage forms and routes of administration. Catalyst hopes that these important benefits will allow it to develop not only next-generation addiction products, but a broad range of other central nervous system therapies, beginning with epilepsy and pain management.

In 2011, Catalyst advanced the development of CPP-115 by commencing a randomized, double-blind, single ascending dose Phase I(a) study in six cohorts of eight normal healthy volunteers to evaluate the human safety characteristics of CPP-115, including CNS side effects and respiratory and cardiovascular safety. See press release of December 13, 2011, and CPP-115: Frequently Asked Questions.

CPP-115 developer

Dr. Richard B. Silverman of Northwestern University headed the team of scientists that discovered novel compounds of vigabatrin that Catalyst is developing under the designation CPP-115. Dr. Silverman holds 41 patents and is the inventor of pregabalin (Lyrica^®), which in 2009 had $3 billion in sales. Complete details of Dr. Silverman's work can be found at his web site.