Tools for Neuroscience Drug Discovery
Charles River is committed to developing a comprehensive portfolio of technologies and capabilities to support drug discovery and safety studies for therapies targeting neurological and psychiatric diseases. These experimental methodologies can be used for early discovery to identify drug targets and optimize lead compounds as well as for later pharmacology and toxicology studies. Each neuroscience method is validated in relevant cell-based assay systems or in vivo animal models of disease to generate predictive data that maximizes efficient translation from preclinical to clinical studies. Additionally, new technologies are added to the portfolio to improve sensitivity, efficacy, and reproducibility at every stage of the drug discovery continuum.
Translational neuroscience methods that are available for your CNS drug discovery programs include:
- Complex, multi-cell models for in vitro neuroinflammation, myelination and neurotoxicity assays
- Behavior tests, including those that assess cognitive changes, memory and learning, anxiety and depression, and motor and gait changes
- Fine motor kinematic analysis enabling highly-sensitive interrogation of gait and posture changes
- Electrophysiology techniques to measure electrical activity in single neurons (patch clamp and multi-electrode arrays) and brain slices (patch clamp)
- EEG for the in vivo measurement of changes in sleep state and seizures
- Imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear imaging (PET and SPECT), and functional ultrasound (fUS)
- Microdialysis, combined with bioanalysis of samples, to assess pharmacokinatics and distribution of small and large molecules, and to measure levels of neurotransmitters, their metabolites, and endogenous proteins
Our neuroscience methods encompass biomarker development, pathology, behavioral and cognitive testing, physiology, and state-of-the-art imaging methods. Robust preclinical testing in rodent and nonrodent models, combined with comprehensive pathology services and market-leading safety assessment services, helps shorten the time required to move a promising lead compound into the clinic.
Exploratory Toxicology for Neuroscience Drug Discovery
This eBook describes strategies across the early stages of drug discovery to support confidence in your lead small molecule candidate and to ensure you proceed through the drug development process with the most promising candidate.
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