Our drug discovery program is focused on modified-risk target identification. We have an experienced group of medicinal chemists and biologists focused on developing new lead compounds that will help us achieve our long-term pharmaceutical strategy.
Our internal capabilities are highly leveraged with outside assistance in chemistry, receptor pharmacology, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and in vivo testing. Research programs to identify novel compounds or mechanisms are ongoing in the CNS area.
Triple Reuptake Inhibitors (TUIs)
We have multiple leads identified that act with varying levels of selectivity on the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain. Triple reuptake inhibitors that can offer balanced action across each of the three neurotransmitters have the potential to offer better outcomes in the treatment of depression than currently available antidepressants.
D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitors (DAAOIs)
D-amino acid oxidase inhibitors are believed to offer therapeutic potential for treatment of cognitive disorders, schizophrenia and pain. We have identified leads that may be applicable for treating different CNS disorders and have been shown to be potent and efficacious in preclinical models. We currently have one candidate, SEP-227900 that has emerged from our DAAOI discovery efforts and advanced to Phase I clinical testing.
Alpha2,3 Selective Agonists on GABAA
We are currently evaluating selective agonists that bind to GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors containing alpha2 and alpha3 subunits, which we believe may have utility in treating anxiety without the sedation that is typically associated with the GABA complex. The selectivity for the alpha2 and alpha3 subunits distinguishes our lead compounds from existing benzodiazepine products that act on all four subtypes, and from the newer selective modulators that act on one site of the GABA complex. We believe that our identified targets have the potential to provide anxiolytic effect without sedation.