sodium cinnamate

Sodium cinnamate, identified by the development code DAAOI-2, is a small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO). It is primarily being developed as an adjunctive therapeutic for the treatment of schizophrenia, particularly in patients who are resistant to standard antipsychotic medications. The drug's mechanism of action centers on the inhibition of DAAO, the primary enzyme responsible for the oxidative deamination of D-amino acids, including D-serine. D-serine is a critical co-agonist at the glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. By preventing the degradation of D-serine, sodium cinnamate increases its synaptic concentration, thereby enhancing NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission. This approach aims to address the NMDA receptor hypofunction that is a hallmark of schizophrenia pathophysiology, potentially improving positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Clinical trials, such as NCT02532686, have evaluated its safety and efficacy as an add-on treatment to existing antipsychotic regimens.

Other names

sodium (E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoatecinnamic acid sodium saltsodium (2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoate