Nicotine for Alzheimer's or Schizophrenia

A small biotech company, Targacept, Inc. (TRGT), which trades on NASDAQ, is doing research into treatments and cures with pharmaceuticals inspired by nicotine. They are currently in Phase II clinical trials for a drug which can treat Alzheimer's or Schizophrenia. 4% of Targacept is owned by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), which trades on the New York Stock Exchange. Targacept received funding for its research from AstraZeneca plc (AZN), which also trades on the NYSE.