Core Insights - Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. reported promising preclinical data on zervimesine (CT1812) at the ARVO conference, indicating its potential to protect retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from damage in dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) [1][2][3] Company Overview - Cognition Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative small molecule therapeutics for age-related degenerative disorders of the central nervous system [9] - The company is currently investigating zervimesine in clinical programs for dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease, including the ongoing START study in early Alzheimer's disease [9] Product Details - Zervimesine is an investigational oral drug candidate that has shown the ability to reach therapeutic concentrations in the eye and is being studied for its effects on retinal cell health [2][4] - The drug binds to the sigma-2 receptor (TMEM97), which is crucial for retinal cell lipid uptake, a process impaired in dry AMD [2][3] - In a Phase 2 clinical trial, zervimesine slowed the rate of geographic atrophy lesion growth by 28.6% compared to placebo, resulting in smaller lesions for treated patients [4] Disease Context - Dry AMD accounts for up to 90% of age-related macular degeneration cases and leads to irreversible vision loss due to the death of retinal cells [6] - The disease is characterized by the accumulation of oxidized lipids and drusen, which damage RPE cells and contribute to vision loss [3][6] Research Findings - Preclinical research supports zervimesine's potential to protect retinal cells from oxidized lipids and enhance cellular function in degenerative diseases [2][3][4] - The drug has also shown robust clinical results in studies involving Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, indicating its broader therapeutic potential [4][7]