Chelerythrine

Chelerythrine is currently in development for the treatment of bipolar disorder and the cognitive deficits of schizophrenia, both substantial markets. Chelerythrine's utility for treating CNS disorders was discovered by Amy Arnsten at Yale University. Marinus obtained an exclusive license from Yale University in April 2004.

Taken orally, chelerythrine has proven to be very potent in multiple models of memory disorders including a sophisticated primate model of prefrontal cortex-dependent working memory.

Chelerythrine has been used in the treatment of periodontal disease as a component of a prescription toothpaste and dental rinse. From this previous experience there is a significant amount of animal and clinical safety data supporting the compound's development.

Marinus is conducting preclinical safety testing to support an Investigational New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration.