Anavex has developed 4 leading product candidates in three major CNS areas, (Alzheimer's disease, depression and epilepsy), in which there is a crucial need for innovative medicines.

Sigma receptors have been implicated in a wide range of functions and therapeutically important cellular and biochemical processes, which confer them immense pharmacological value. ANAVEX Life Sciences Corp, believing in the importance of this class of receptors, is focused on the discovery and development of novel and unique sigma receptor binding molecules, confident that they will be established as high impact therapies. Sigma receptors are accepted to be a unique family of proteins, present mainly in the Central Nervous System (CNS) but also in various peripheral tissues. These receptors have been classified according to pharmacological studies in two subtypes, the sigma-1 and sigma-2. These subtypes are distinguishable pharmacologically, functionally, and by molecular size. Sigma-1 receptors have been cloned and shown to be distinct from any known receptor class. In the CNS, they have been shown to be involved in the modulation of neurotransmitter receptor function, neurotransmitter release and response, as well as memory and learning processes, demonstrating potential neuroprotective and antiamnesic properties (Alzheimer's Disease). The modulatory action and the implication of numerous cellular and biochemical signaling pathways suggest possible sigma receptor involvement in many neuronal processes, as well as in the pathophysiology of certain psychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia, motor disturbances, neuropathic pain, drug addiction, and attention deficit disorders.

ANAVEX, by taking advantage of the modulatory nature of sigma receptors, has developed drug candidates with multiple pharmacological targets that include most of the key aspects of the disease demonstrating a unique and revolutionary mode of action. The company’s lead product candidates and derivatives demonstrate affinities for sigma-receptors, muscarinic receptors, sodium channels and NMDA receptors. This synergistic approach has been shown to demonstrate neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties in preclinical studies, with anti-amnesic, pro-mnesic, anti-microinflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative effects. To summarize, these bioelectrical, neuromodulatory compounds demonstrate a three component (muscarinic/sigma/sodium channel) synergistic effect, operating differently according to the treated pathology.