Schizophrenia Drug Discovery Service

Schizophrenia (SCH) is a complex mental illness. In recent years, the use of animal models to study SCH to explore its etiology and develop new therapeutic strategies has gradually attracted widespread attention. Creative Biolabs has extensive experience in the field of neuroscience, we are confident in providing you with customized animal models as well as in vivo and in vitro assays according to your specific needs to accelerate your SCH drug discovery process.

Overview of SCH

SCH is a serious disease that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. When SCH is active, symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, confused speech, difficulty thinking, and a lack of motivation can result. SCH is associated with a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and the environment. In addition, abnormalities in certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, such as the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may also contribute to SCH. Symptoms of SCH make it difficult for a person to participate in daily activities, however, with treatment, most symptoms will greatly be improved. Although there is currently no effective cure for SCH, many patients do well with mild symptoms. Psychotherapy is the foundation of therapy aimed at reducing stress and improving social skills. Moreover, drug therapy is the main clinical treatment for SCH. A variety of medications are effective in reducing symptoms and are also beneficial in reducing the chance of future attacks. In recent years, drug development for SCH has gradually emerged as a research focus.

Fig.1 Actionable factors that contribute to secondary negative symptoms. (Correll, 2020)

At Creative Biolabs, a variety of cellular and animal models are available. Our team of experienced cell biologists can provide you with a wide range of cellular assays to screen your compounds.

Fig.2 SCH drug discovery services. (Creative Biolabs)

In Vitro Models

• 3D Spheroid Cultures
• Cell Culture Models
• Primary Neuronal Cell Culture Models
• Human iPSC Derived Neuronal Cell Culture Models
• Organotypic Brain Slice Models

In Vivo Models

Suitable animal model has important significance for the development of new drugs. In recent years, numerous rodent models have been developed that replicate the etiology, brain pathology, and behavioral abnormalities associated with human SCH. The availability of multiple models will facilitate the understanding of the core features of the disease, leading to the discovery of more effective drug therapies. Animal models of SCH are divided into 3 categories: developmental, drug-induced, and genetic to reflect the heterogeneous risk factors associated with SCH.

• Developmental models

There is evidence that obstetric complications or maternal infection during pregnancy increase the risk of SCH. Thus, developmental animal models of SCH involve environmental manipulation and administration in the perinatal or early postnatal period.

• Drug-induced models

In drug-induced models, the most commonly used drugs are dopamine potentiators and noncompetitive N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists.

• Genetic models

Many candidate genes are closely related to the occurrence of SCH. The role of genetic factors in SCH has long been the focus of research and the basis for several animal models. Many genes have been used to generate animal models of SCH, and the new loci will allow more models to be established in mice.

Other Services for SCH Drug Development

Creative Biolabs has been a world leader in neuroscience for decades. With advanced platforms and rich experience, we are committed to providing diverse and cost-effective animal models and professional solutions to ensure the progress of your SCH drug discovery project. If you are interested in our services, please contact us in time for more details.

Reference

1. Correll, C. U.; Schooler, N. R. Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Review and Clinical Guide for Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. 2020.