EVP-2442

EVP-2442 is a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A). Originally developed by EnVivo Pharmaceuticals (which later became Forum Pharmaceuticals), the compound was designed to treat cognitive impairment and behavioral symptoms associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, specifically schizophrenia and Huntington's disease. PDE10A is an enzyme predominantly expressed in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum, where it regulates the signaling of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By inhibiting PDE10A, EVP-2442 increases the levels of these second messengers, thereby modulating both the direct and indirect striatal pathways. This mechanism aims to improve dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, potentially offering a therapeutic benefit for cognitive deficits and psychosis with a reduced risk of extrapyramidal side effects compared to traditional antipsychotics.