Pomaglumetad (LY-404,039) is an amino acid analog drug that acts as a highly selective agonist for the metabotropic glutamate receptor group II subtypes mGluR2 and mGluR3.[1] Pharmacological research has focused on its potential antipsychotic and anxiolytic effects. Pomaglumetad is intended as a treatment for schizophrenia and other psychotic and anxiety disorders by modulating glutamatergic activity and reducing presynaptic release of glutamate at synapses in limbic and forebrain areas relevant to these disorders.[2] Human studies investigating therapeutic use of pomaglumetad have focused on the prodrug LY-2140023, a methionine amide of pomaglumetad (also called pomaglumetad methionil) since pomaglumetad exhibits low oral absorption and bioavailability in humans.[2]
Early human trials using this prodrug form of pomaglumetad gave encouraging results.[2][3][4] However, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly terminated further development of the compound in 2012 after it failed in phase III clinical trials.[5][6] In September 2013, the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the impact of adjunctive LY-2140023 on prominent negative symptoms in schizophrenia was published and failed to demonstrate any benefit.[7]
In 2015, Denovo Biopharma exclusively licensed LY-2140023 (the prodrug) for further development, having identified "a meaningful subset of patients who showed significantly improved outcomes".[8]
^Rorick-Kehn LM, Johnson BG, Burkey JL, Wright RA, Calligaro DO, Marek GJ, et al. (April 2007). "Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of a structurally novel, potent, and selective metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor agonist: in vitro characterization of agonist (-)-(1R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-2-sulfonylbicyclo[3.1.0]-hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY404039)". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 321 (1): 308–317. doi:10.1124/jpet.106.110809. PMID17204749. S2CID23666836.
^ abcPatil ST, Zhang L, Martenyi F, Lowe SL, Jackson KA, Andreev BV, et al. (September 2007). "Activation of mGlu2/3 receptors as a new approach to treat schizophrenia: a randomized Phase 2 clinical trial". Nature Medicine. 13 (9): 1102–1107. doi:10.1038/nm1632. PMID17767166. S2CID6417333.
^Lebois EP (2008). "Neither typical nor atypical: LY404039 provides proof of concept that selective targeting of mGluR2/3 receptors is a valid mechanism for obtaining antipsychotic efficacy". Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry. 8 (16): 1480–1481. doi:10.2174/156802608786264209. PMID19006848.
^Fraley ME (September 2009). "Positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 for the treatment of schizophrenia". Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents. 19 (9): 1259–1275. doi:10.1517/13543770903045009. PMID19552508. S2CID23242384.