Provides insights into the drug discovery innovations that are shaping future CNS therapies
In the vast field of neuroscience, drug discovery targeting the central nervous system (CNS) presents both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges. Disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and epilepsy affect millions worldwide, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. Yet understanding brain processes and overcoming the blood-brain barrier continue to pose significant hurdles for researchers and developers alike.
Trends in CNS Drug Discovery offers a comprehensive overview of the methodologies, successes, and challenges shaping this critical area of pharmaceutical research. Covering a wide range of key areas, from current therapeutic paradigms to emerging technologies, this state-of-the-art volume brings together expertise from leading scientists and drug developers who address the role of cannabinoids and psychedelics in advancing CNS therapeutics, discuss emerging modalities such as protein degraders and allosteric modulators, examine funding strategies and academic-industrial collaborations, highlight advancements in brain-penetrating cancer treatments and other high-impact areas, and more.
Explores cutting-edge methodologies, including biomarkers, animal models, and brain imaging for CNS drug discovery Reviews innovative therapies such as combination drugs and prodrugs for improved treatment outcomes Analyzes challenges in targeting diseases including Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia with novel therapeutic strategies Includes real-world case studies demonstrating achievements and lessons in CNS drug development
A critical reference for academic researchers and industry professionals in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical research, and neurobiology, Trends in CNS Drug Discovery is also an ideal resource for graduate-level courses in neuroscience or pharmaceutical sciences.
PART 1: CURRENT STATUS AND THERAPY OVERVIEW Drug discovery in the Century of Biology Academic vs. Industrial CNS drug discovery: An evolving relationship The role of Venture Capital in drug discovery Spin-off companies The NIH role catalyzing the discovery of novel treatments PART 2: KEY QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPORARY CNS DRUG DISCOVERY The end: defining CNS diseases (molecular vs phenotype) Target selection in the treatment of CNS diseases The use of animal models in brain drug research Biomarkers in CNS drug discovery PET imaging in CNS drug discovery PART 3: PSYCHEDELIC-INSPRIRED DRUG DISCOVERY Update on ketamine, esketamine, arketamine Non-hallucinogenic antidepressants Cannabinoids as therapeutics for brain disease PART 4: UNION MAKES STRENGTH: COMBINING DRUGS TO PRODUCE NOVEL CNS THERAPEUTICS Xanomeline-trospium for schizophrenia Olanzapine-samidorphan Dextromethorphan-bupropion Levodopa prodrug Apomorphine PART 5: EMERGING CHEMICAL MODALITIES FOR BRAIN DISEASES PROTACs in CNS drug discovery Small molecule allosteric modulators Progress using biologics drugs for CNS diseases (CGRP migraine, Anti-amyloid antibodies, MSA/PD and a-SYN antibodies) Using mechanistic studies for CNS diseases What is the best surrogate of brain penetration? Brain cancer treatments (brain penetration of kinase inhibitor) PART 6: EPILOGUE Treating brain disease in the next decade
Dario Doller, PhD, has over 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical research, contributing to numerous clinical compounds and a marketed drug. He has authored over 100 articles and patents and is Chief Scientific Officer at Modulate Bio. Kevin J. Hodgetts, PhD, is Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Head of Medicinal Chemistry and Director of the Lab for Drug Discovery in Neuroscience (LDDN) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
