Currently, several protein-based drugs show great promise in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Ace Therapeutics is a preclinical contract research and development organization focused on psychiatric disorders. We provide our clients with services for developing protein-based antipsychotic drugs, including synthetic peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and more. With our expertise in psychiatric disorders and macromolecular development, we offer our clients a comprehensive, one-stop solution to accelerate their protein-based drug development programs to advance the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Introduction of Protein-Based Antipsychotic Drugs

The research and development of protein therapies is an active field in the treatment of mental illness. Innovative protein-based therapeutics have emerged due to an improved understanding of the role of proteins in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.

The application of protein therapies in the treatment of psychiatric disorders involves a variety of mechanisms, including direct effects on neurotransmitter synthesis and release, modulation of neuroplasticity, and amelioration of symptoms through modulation of inflammatory responses. These protein-based drugs may serve as novel drug candidates for psychiatric disorders, particularly against difficult-to-treat targets that can be targeted by the use of highly molecularly engineered peptides or antibodies.

Fig. 1 Effects of early postnatal treatment with Ro 25-1553 and KS-133 on recognition memory in the novel object recognition test. (Sakamoto, K.; et al., 2021)

Advantages of Protein-Based Antipsychotic Drugs

• Precise targeting: Protein drugs can be designed to target specific neural receptors or signaling pathways, allowing for more precise treatment.
• Reduced side effects: Due to their highly specific mechanism of action, protein drugs generally have a lower risk of side effects.
• Versatility: Proteins can be used not only as direct drug molecules but also as carriers to carry other therapeutic substances into the brain.

Protein-Based Antipsychotic Drug Development Strategies We Offer

• Preclinical screening services

Ace Therapeutics offers customized antipsychotic drug screening services. We utilize appropriate methodologies to assess the biological activity, pharmacological effects, and medicinal value of protein molecules that may be used as antipsychotic drugs at the cellular and biochemical levels. Our comprehensive preclinical screening services enable rapid assessment of the potency and specificity of potential protein-based antipsychotics and provide reliable data and scientific support for their further optimization.

• In vivo and ex vivo efficacy assessment services

We focus on meeting the specific needs and drug characteristics of our clients by providing tailored solutions for in vitro and ex vivo efficacy assessment. With our in vitro cellular models, ex vivo animal models, behavioral assays, and other advanced platform technologies, we can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of potential protein-based antipsychotics.

• Preclinical toxicology evaluation services

We provide our clients with comprehensive preclinical toxicology assessment services, covering a full range of tests for acute toxicity assessment, long-term toxicity assessment, organ toxicity assessment, and developmental and reproductive toxicity assessment. Our advanced platform technology and experienced experts ensure the accuracy and reliability of the assessment results, providing strong support for the safety of potential protein-based antipsychotics.

• Biodistribution studies and pharmacokinetic profiling services

We utilize animal models to help our clients systematically evaluate the distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the body to ensure their efficacy and safety. Our reliable analytical data can provide a scientific basis for optimizing drug design, thus accelerating the process of protein drugs from laboratory to clinical application.

Reference

1. Sakamoto, K.; et al. Generation of KS-133 as a novel bicyclic peptide with a potent and selective VIPR2 antagonist activity that counteracts cognitive decline in a mouse model of psychiatric disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 12 (2021): 751587.