Cognition Therapeutics

Cognition Therapeutics is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical company that was founded by Gilbert Rishton and Susan Catalano in 2007, and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Cognition Therapeutics engages in drug development and discovery to develop novel approaches to the treatment of central nervous system disorders. The companies treatment approach to central nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimers disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, is to prevent the accumulation of toxic proteins associated with central nervous system disorders through the discovery and application of small molecule drug therapies.

Cognition’s lead candidate product is Elayta, an orally available small molecule was shown in clinical studies to have potential to normalize protein trafficking and lipid metabolism pathways disrupted in Alzheimer’s disease and allow protection and restoration of synapses. As of 2019 three Phase 2 clinical studies testing Elayta were SPARC (Synaptic Protection for Alzheimer’s Restoration of Cognition), SNAP (AβO Displacement from Synapses on Neurons in Alzheimer’s Patients), and SHINE (Synaptic Health and Improvement of Neurological Function with Elayta). These studies were supported by grants (award numbers RF1AG057780, RF1AG057553 and R01AG058660) from the National Institute on Aging of the NIH. Elayta was granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. FDA.