CNS Disorder Models
Sygnature has a unique and extensive experience (formerly under the name RenaSci) in diseases of the CNS Disorder including Psychiatric Disorders, which can be a particularly challenging field for drug development.
We employ relevant rodent models and knowledge about applicable and sensitive end-points and state-of-the-art technologies in the assessment of behavioural effects of novel drug candidates.
Examples of our validated CNS Disorder Models include:
| Therapeutic indications | Models and Services | Main use |
| Schizophrenia, Psychosis | Locomotor activity assessment (d-Amphetamine, MK-801 or PCP reversal) | Evaluation of anti-psychotics |
| Conditioned Avoidance Response (CAR) | ||
| Binge Eating Disorder | Model of reduced impulse control (using chocolate as a hedonistic food) | Assessment of treatments for impulsivity |
| Substance Use Disorders |
Drug self-administration | Development of treatments for substance use disorders, including abstinence promotion, withdrawal alleviation and relapse prevention |
| Physical dependence and withdrawal | ||
| Reinstatement model of drug relapse | ||
| Locomotor sensitization | ||
| Psychedelic Therapies (for treatment resistant depression, PTSD, addiction, etc.) | 5-HT2A receptor occupancy | Evaluation of psychedelic therapies |
| “Head-twitch” assay |
Established CNS-related expertise:
- Central administration of test drugs (e.g. ICV)
- In-vivo models of CNS function
- Intracerebral microdialysis for assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites (potential for concurrent behavioural analysis)
- Target engagement using in vitro and ex vivo CNS receptor occupancy
- Initial behavioural safety assessments such as Irwin test and Rotarod
- Side effect profiling including catalepsy, pupillometry, prolactin release, weight gain and more
- Brain and CSF drug exposure