CNS drug discovery has been hampered by inadequate understanding or consideration of a number of factors. These include the complexity of brain anatomy and function; the neuro-PK with regard to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport and intra-brain distribution as well as the measures to study these processes; adequate biomarkers of CNS drug effects (neuro-PD), and the complex nature of CNS diseases. Also, the reductionist view and thereby lack of understanding of the interaction and interdependencies of all these factors have contributed to the high attrition rates of CNS drugs.
Process of CNS drug discovery
Creative Biolabs has extensive experience in drug discovery and has successfully accomplished hundreds of projects. We have developed a comprehensive technology platform to provide one-stop CNS drugs discovery services. Our platform has advanced neuroscience ex vivo models, neuroscience assay technique, and neuroscience research tools. These technologies will cover every important stage of CNS drug discovery, resulting in a one-stop shop for our customers.
Technology Platform
If you are looking for assistance on CNS discovery services, or you are interested in other neuroscience services, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Our services are exclusively for research use, providing the tools and expertise needed to explore the vast potential of CNS therapeutics.
We also offer flexibility in our services, including but not limited to:
Services | Descriptions |
---|---|
Custom Neural Differentiation | As experienced experts in neuroscience modeling, we offer comprehensive customized neural differentiation services to effectively support your neuroscience research. |
Neurotoxicity Screening Service | The general screening process consists of a 3-step process that includes generation of cell lines from iPSCs, differentiation of neural cells, and disease modeling and neurotoxicity screening. For your specific needs, we can also customize the program. |
Immortalized Cell Lines | Immortalized cell lines are a popular neuroscience research tool. As an industry-leading provider of neuroscience research services, Creative Biolabs is confident in providing quality-assured customized products of neural-based immortalized cell lines. |
iPSC-based drug discovery is a promising technique for developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, that lack useful disease models. Three candidate anti-ALS drugs were identified in an iPSC-based drug screen and are currently being evaluated for safety and efficacy in clinical trials.
Motor neurons (MN) differentiated from iPSCs of FALS patients carrying missense mutations in the FUS and TDP-43 genes recapitulate several neurodegenerative phenotypes. A drug screening analysis conducted at Keio University screened 1232 compounds from an existing drug library using a 96-well plate and a high-content screening system to explore drugs that inhibit ALS-related phenotypes. The first screen was performed using MNs derived from FALS patients with FUS mutations, and 95 out of 1232 drugs were identified. Subsequently, a second screen was performed using MN from FALS patients with TDP-43 mutations and identified nine drugs that inhibited ALS-related phenotypes.
Fig. 1 iPSC-based modeling of ALS motor neuron phenotypes and drug screening using an FDA-approved drug library.1
The service is designed to facilitate the development of CNS drugs, addressing several key challenges faced in CNS research. Here are the main applications of this service:
By utilizing this service, companies and research institutions can benefit from advanced modeling, screening technologies, and detailed research tools essential for successful drug innovation in neuroscience.
Q: What types of assays can be integrated with the STEMOD™ platform for drug testing?
A: The service supports a variety of assays, including high-throughput screening, electrophysiological measurements, toxicity profiling, and functional assays like viability, differentiation, and proliferation tests. We can also implement 3D imaging and organ-specific functional assessments to monitor the effects of candidate drugs on the organoid models in real time, offering a comprehensive view of drug behavior.
Q: What is the typical timeline for drug discovery projects using the platform?
A: The timeline for a drug discovery project using the platform varies depending on the complexity of the study and the customization required. Typically, generating patient-derived organoids can take a few weeks, followed by drug screening, which might last anywhere from several weeks to a few months. We work closely with clients to outline specific project timelines based on their goals and the technical requirements involved.
Q: How do you ensure the reproducibility and scalability of your organoid models?
A: Reproducibility and scalability are core aspects of our platform. We utilize standardized protocols for the differentiation and culture of hPSC-derived organoids, ensuring that each model meets consistent quality criteria. Our organoid culture systems are designed to be scalable, allowing for high-throughput drug screening if needed. Regular quality control assessments are also performed to monitor the functionality and stability of the organoids over time.
Q: What kind of support do you provide during the drug discovery process?
A: We provide end-to-end support throughout the entire drug discovery process. From initial consultation to project planning, model customization, assay development, and data analysis, our team of scientists works closely with clients to ensure that their specific needs are met. We also offer detailed reporting, troubleshooting assistance, and follow-up discussions to refine experimental design or interpret results.
Reference
For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.