Synaptic Pharmaceutical Corp. Discovers New Gene and Neuroreceptor for Treating Depression

Strategic Insights -

Synaptic Pharmaceutical Corp., a biotechnology company, has made a groundbreaking discovery of a gene and corresponding neuroreceptor that holds significant promise as a new drug target for treating depression. In cell-based and animal studies, the company's researchers have identified a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that shows potential in producing antidepressive effects. Several drug candidates have been developed to target this neuroreceptor, which has demonstrated comparable efficacy to leading antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), in two animal models. This discovery marks a departure from current antidepressants, which primarily act on transporters to block the uptake of neurotransmitters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Synaptic Pharmaceutical Corp. has discovered a gene and corresponding neuroreceptor that shows significant potential as a new drug target for treating depression in both cell-based and animal studies.
  • The neuroreceptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), a type favored by the pharmaceutical industry, but was otherwise not identified by the company.
  • Several drug candidates act directly and selectively on the neuroreceptor to produce the antidepressive effect in animal studies, demonstrating comparable efficacy to leading antidepressants like fluoxetine.
  • Synaptic's drug candidates are receptor-based, rather than transporter-based, and may have a faster onset of action and fewer side effects than current drugs.
  • The company's drug candidates were found to be highly potent and highly selective, acting only on the newly discovered neuroreceptor and not on targets for current antidepressant drugs.
  • Synaptic anticipates starting clinical trials with the antidepressant candidate in 2001 and plans to increase cash flow to fund internal drug development projects.

Statistics:

  • The company's drug candidates demonstrated comparable efficacy to fluoxetine (Prozac) in two animal models.
  • The antidepressant candidate has shown potential in producing of antidepressive effects in animal studies.
  • The newly discovered GPCR has been identified as a new biological pathway for treating depression.

Sources:

  • Synaptic Pharmaceutical Corp. (215 College Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652; Tel: 201/261-1331, Fax: 201/261-0623)
  • Kathleen P. Mullinix, chairman, president, and CEO of Synaptic Pharmaceutical Corp.