What we do
Founding Assets in Edinburgh
Initial Portfolio in Psychiatry, Pain & Cognition, New Drug Targets For Schizophrenia
Prof. David Porteous, Prof. Douglas Blackwood, Dr. Walter Muir, Dr. Ben Pickard
Discovery and Validation Stage - DISC-1 Gene and Down Stream Targets
Human genetics driven discovery and validation stage project
World class and well funded academic project to define the molecular basis of schizophrenia through population genetic studies in Scotland. Project lead by Prof David Porteous & Douglas Blackwood has already lead to identification (and wide publicity) of the first gene defect associated with schizophrenia – DISC 1. Working closely with this group, NeurocentRx plans to make this a flagship discovery and target validation project that will be the centerpiece of a major collaborative program with a global Pharma company.
Novel Validated Target for Neuropathic Pain
Prof. Susan Fleetwood-Walker, Prof. Marie Fallon, Prof. Lesley Colvin, Dr. Rory Mitchell, Dr. Mike Greaney
Preclinical Stage and clinical - Small Molecule Agonists of TRP-M8
Lead molecule validated in animal models.
Based on a seminal discovery of Prof. Fleetwood- Walker and colleagues, it appears that activation of the non-selective cation channel TRP-M8 may be something of master switch in quelling chronic neuropathic pain (pain associated with direct nerve damage such as injury, diabetes, surgery etc) .
An analgesia program based on TRP-M8 and possibly other pain targets, will be the initial internal centerpiece of an internal pain program at NeurocentRx.
New Approach for the Treatment of Cognitive Disorders
Prof. Jonathan Seckl & Prof. Alasdair MacLullich
Pre-IND Stage - Inhibitors of 11beta HSD1 – Use of Off-Patent Drug with Follow-On Potential
11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) is an intracellular amplifier of glucocorticoid action. By converting intrinsically inert glucocorticoids (cortisone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone) into their active forms (cortisol, corticosterone), 11beta-HSD1 increases glucocorticoid access to receptors. Glucocorticoid hormones modulate diverse physiological processes, linking circadian rhythms to food seeking, motivational and cognitive behaviors, as well as intermediary metabolism and immune responses. A novel clinical trial program is being designed that may, be a forerunner for testing an existing class of drug in an acute cognitive impairment setting prior to trials in Alzheimer’s disease.