Somatostatin is a chemical mediator that acts through a number of receptors to regulate brain function.  Loss of somatostatin and somatostatin-expressing neurons in the brain contribute to a series of pathological events driven by the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ), resulting in Alzheimer's cognitive decline and dementia.  Targeting of somatostatin receptors in the brain is a validated pathway of disease mitigation. 

Somatostatin receptor subtype-4 (SSTR4) holds unique attributes.  SSTR4 is heavily expressed in brain regions of Alzheimer's impact, with research linking its activation to the mitigation of pathology through reduction of brain Aβ levels.  SSTR4 activation is further identified in the mitigation of neuropsychiatric symptoms, seizure activity, and inflammation.  Our program is advancing a number of orally bioavailable small molecule selective SSTR4 activators (agonist).