Cutler_1998_Acta.Neurol.Scand_97_244

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the activity of SDZ ENA 713, a centrally-selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its relationship to central and peripheral pharmacokinetic parameters.
METHODS: Eighteen AD patients were enrolled in this open-label, multiple-dose study. Patients were titrated in 1 mg bid/week increments to target doses of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 mg bid SDZ ENA 713. After patients had been maintained at their target dose for at least 3 days, continuous CSF samples were obtained via a lumbar catheter for 12.5 h, beginning 0.5 h prior to the final dose of SDZ ENA 713.
RESULTS: Dose-dependent inhibition of CSF AChE was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with plasma drug and metabolite concentrations. The 6 mg bid treatment group showed a maximum mean inhibition of 62% at 5.6 h post-dose. CONCLUSION: Rapid, sustained, dose-dependent inhibition of CSF AChE suggests that SDZ ENA 713 has therapeutic potential in AD patients.