Down-sizing the high

Since agonizing gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors has been shown to decrease dopamine in the brain, GABA receptors are a target for therapeutics to treat substance abuse. However, compounds that directly agonize the receptors have drawbacks that include dependence and tolerance. Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners Inc. is looking to sidestep these issues by targeting the enzyme that breaks down GABA.

Last week, the company began Phase II testing of its CPP-109 vigabatrin, a GABA transaminase (GABA-T) inhibitor, to treat cocaine addiction...