A story of serendipity &

Innovation

TACRINE (Cognex)

History of Tacrine, The FDA, and Alzheimer’s

Disease

Begins at the dawn of the 20th century.Dr. Summers becomes involved in 1976 with research on delirium.In 1986 a UCLA team lead by Dr. Summers publishes a treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease for one year with Tacrine.

Rules of InventionWrong PlaceWrong IndustryWrong TimeWrong Reasons

Dr. Summers wasIn private psychiatric practice (not at University or in neurology) Doing self-funded research (no grants) Received substantial publicity at a time that a major charity was promoting via President Regan’s administration that there was “No treatment”Wrote a patent application so that there would be commercial interest and he could get further funding of his research.

In Time Dr. Summers learns

Control your destinySpeak out when you are rightThere will be supportSometimes and invention needs a champion. Become an activist

Tacrine became availableto the American public on September 30, 1993 as the first treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.