CX-717

CX-717 is an ampakine compound. It is a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors. Its action is theorized to be due to the facilitation of transmission at cortical synapses that use glutamate as a neurotransmitter. This in turn may promote plasticity at the synapse, which could translate into better cognitive performance. CX-717 works by allosterically binding to particular receptors in the brain, called AMPA-type glutamate receptors. This boosts the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter, and makes it easier to encode memory and to learn. In addition, CX717 could potentially strongly impact the up-regulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) or NGF (nerve growth factor), two growth factors known to stimulate the formation of new circuitry in the brain associated with forming memory and cognition.