Cortex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Cortex Pharmaceuticals is a neuroscience company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drug therapies for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Cortex’s primary technology platform is a novel class of proprietary pharmaceuticals called AMPAKINE® compounds, which act to increase the strength of signals at connections between brain cells. The loss of these connections is thought to be responsible for memory and behavior problems in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. A number of psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, ADHD, and depression occur as a result of imbalances in the brain’s neurotransmitter system. These imbalances may be improved using the AMPAKINE technology. We also have found that these agents directly impact the center that is responsible for inspiration in the brain stem (Pre-Botzinger Complex). We are in the process of initiating two clinical trials in Europe with our lead compound, CX717, to demonstrate proof of concept for treatment of respiratory depression due to opiate analgesic therapy. Data from animal studies suggest that AMPAKINE drugs may also be useful in treating respiratory depression caused by anesthetic agents and barbiturates and could potentially be a treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apneas. This platform technology is protected by strong Intellectual Property, which includes over 250 patent filings and 160 issued patents and additional filings being generated on a continuous basis.