Abstract WP219: Repurposing The K _Ca 3.1 Inhibitor Senicapoc For Treatment Of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of death and long-term disability. Both microglia (MG) and infiltrating macrophages (MP) are critical effector cell types in ischemic brain injury and recovery. K Ca 3.1 is a calcium-activated potassium channel that is upregulated in reactive MG and MP. Studies using either genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of K Ca 3.1 demonstrated that this channel is critical for pro-inflammatory activation of MG/MP as well as exacerbation of stroke pathophysiology. Senicapoc (ICA-17043) is a K Ca 3.1-specific inhibitor that has been used in human clinical trials for non-neurological indications (sickle cell anemia, asthma) and was proven safe. Here we evaluate the potential for repurposing senicapoc for AIS. Methods: Young adult male and female mice underwent 60 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion. MCAO was monitored by laser doppler. Senicapoc’s pharmacokinetic (PK) profile was determined using high performance liquid chromatography - mass spectroscopy. Drug levels in plasma and brain were quantified at multiple time points post administration. Effects of senicapoc on post-stroke release of cytokines/chemokines was determined by multiplex ELISA. Inflammatory infiltrates were quantified with flow cytometry. Efficacy studies included: (i) infarct volume (MRI T2), white matter integrity (DTI) and longitudinal neurobehavioral outcomes (NBO). In-vitro chromogenic assay was used to assess senicapoc’s effect on proteolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Results: Administration of senicapoc (40 mg/kg, i.p.) twice daily for seven days starting 12 h after MCAO resulted in ~55% reduction in infarct volume with corresponding improvements in NBO. Free senicapoc levels in brain ranged from 20 - 200 nM in stroked mice at 1, 4 & 12 hours following administration. All values exceeded senicapoc’s IC 50 (11 nM) for K Ca 3.1. Senicapoc, at up to 5 μM, had no effect on tPA’s proteolytic activity. Conclusions: We provide proof-of-concept data that senicapoc, administered in an extended temporal window, can markedly reduce infarct volume and improve NBO in a mouse model of AIS. Senicapoc demonstrated favorable PK and CNS penetration. It did not interfere with tPA.