AmKor’s technology currently comprises two broad categories of new chemical entities (NCEs) that are derived from the approved drug sulfasalazine. The dozens of compounds in each category share the similarity of being very potent anti-oxidants, possibly the most potent drugs yet described as such. They differ in that one series also has potent, but non-toxic, NMDA antagonist activity, while the other has potent COX-1 and COX-2 anti-inflammatory activity. The former series comprises strong neuroprotectants, particularly for acute indications, while the latter are designed for chronic conditions, particularly those with an inflammatory component.

AmKor’s candidate compounds have been assigned to the Company from Neurotech Pharmaceuticals Inc. of South Korea. Their identification arose from research discoveries made in the late 1980s which clarified the role of glutamate as an important mediator of excitotoxic neuronal cell death following ischemic brain injury (e.g., stroke).

Spotlight

AmKor's most advanced product candidate, Neu2000, is an innovative muti-mechanism drug for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Read more.