A neurotrophic compound in treatment of depression - Isis Project No 1549
Research at Oxford University’s experimental psychology department has demonstrated a potential new drug treatment for depression
Marketing Opportunity
Existing drug treatments of depression are hampered by a time-lag from administration to treatment effects of several weeks leading to prolonged suffering and increased suicide risk. Symptom improvement is thought to be caused in part by up-regulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurogenesis after long-term treatment.
Novel fast-acting compounds which directly increase neurogenesis and cellular resilience may thus have immense impact on patient health. This opportunity is addressed in the Oxford invention.
The Oxford Invention
New evidence reveals that a therapeutic agent directly up-regulates BDNF and neurogenesis. A single dose of this drug improves cognitive and neurobiological function and mood in humans which is consistent with a rapid antidepressant action. It is thus a promising candidate for novel fast-acting treatment of psychiatric disorders marked by neural dysfunction and loss, such as depression.
Patent Status
This work is the subject of patent application, and Isis would like to talk to companies interested in developing the commercial opportunity that this represents. Please contact the Isis Project Manager to discuss this further