Aiming at the brain’s nicotine receptors

An emerging class of drugs modulates receptors that normally bind the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Drug Company Indication Stage
Chantix/Champix (varenicline) Pfizer Smoking cessation Approved
TC-5214 AstraZeneca/Targacept Major depressive disorder Phase III
AZD3480 AstraZeneca/Targacept Alzheimer’s disease Phase IIb
Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Phase II
CP-601927 Pfizer Major depressive disorder Phase II
AZD1446 AstraZeneca/Targacept Alzheimer’s disease Phase I
Adult ADHD Phase II
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