Free-radical Scavenger and Antioxidant Development for Stroke

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) has been implicated as a potential mechanism of stroke and has been shown to damage various cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. Free-radicals, particularly superoxide (O^2-), and non-radicals, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), can be produced in large quantities and participate in the secondary injury process of ischemia. Free-radical scavengers have been extensively studied to reduce ROS/RNS burden and subsequent oxidative stress in cells. Although the overall goal is to counteract the deleterious effects of ROS/RNS in stroke pathology, success has been limited, especially in human clinical trials.

Fig. 1. Effect of treatment with disodium NXY-059 within 6hours after the onset of ischemic stroke on the primary outcome. (Wang et al., 2007)

Our Free-radical Scavenger and Antioxidant Development Services

Ace Therapeutics is a leading preclinical CRO in the field of stroke, providing reliable free-radical scavenger/antioxidant development services. Our dedicated team of scientists combines their expertise in molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, and neurobiology to help clients develop free-radical scavengers and antioxidants that can counteract the deleterious effects of ROS/RNS in stroke.

From early discovery to safety assessment, we have the tools and experience to cost-effectively develop free-radical scavengers and antioxidants. Achieve more definitive proof-of-concept and robust screening with our validated stroke models, and optimize study model design and management with the help of our team.

What Free-radical Scavengers and Antioxidants Can We Develop?

• Inhibition of free-radical production: specific inhibitors of ROS-generating enzymes (NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase)
• Free-radical scavengers
• Free-radical antioxidants
• Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants: mitochondrial complex I inhibitors
• Upregulation of endogenous antioxidants: hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), neuroglobin (Ngb)

Design and Optimization of Free-radical Scavengers and Antioxidants

Our high-throughput screening platform efficiently and accurately identifies and determines molecules with the potential to scavenge free-radicals and mitigate oxidative stress. Using advanced algorithms and simulations, we can predict the binding affinity and selectivity of potential compounds to guide the design and optimization of potent free-radical scavengers and antioxidants.

We leverage our expertise to modify the chemical structure of free-radical scavengers and antioxidants to improve their bioavailability, stability, and target specificity. In addition, we offer drug delivery system development services to deliver free-radical scavengers/antioxidants to the brain.

Preclinical Evaluation of Free-radical Scavengers and Antioxidants

Our team combines stroke-related expertise with extensive knowledge of molecules, modalities, and stroke model systems to create a mature portfolio of in vitro and in vivo stroke models to support pharmacological studies of free-radical scavengers/antioxidants and deepen your understanding of new stroke therapies. In addition, we provide safety assessment of free-radical scavengers/antioxidants on the central system and DMPK studies.

• Behavioral analysis: Foot fault test, grip strength test, rotating rod test
• TTC staining of brain slices
• Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability analysis
• In vivo drug tracer studies
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of cerebral infarct volume
• Analysis of factors associated with oxidative stress
• In vitro oxidative stress assays

At Ace Therapeutics, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and innovation in stroke drug development. We are your trusted partner for comprehensive services in the development of free-radical scavengers/antioxidants for the treatment of stroke. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

1. Wang, C. X., & Shuaib, A. (2007). Neuroprotective effects of free-radical scavengers in stroke. Drugs & aging, 24, 537-546.