Restoring synaptic plasticity to treat neurodegenerative diseases
JB2 induces plasticity in primary cortical neuronal cultures.
Healthy synapses make a healthy brain
Our discovery program targets synaptic plasticity dysfunction; synaptic plasticity is fundamental for all brain functions.
Our proprietary platform technology allows us to create novel receptor modulators that are fully synthetic and orally deliverable.
Coupled with our proprietary EEG quantitative biomarker allows us to measure compound efficacy, optimize patient selection, and monitor disease progression.
Our lead compound, JB2, induces structural plasticity.
- JB2 interacts with a novel binding domain on the IGF2R
- This leads to intracellular MEK/ERK signaling
- Which results in increased IGF2R, NMDAR, & AMPAR biosynthesis
- And insertion of new functional receptors that leads to
- The induction of LTP (synaptic plasticity)
Relevant Patents and Publications
- Insulin like growth factor binding protein bioactive peptide fragments, US20220144896A1. See More
- System and method for detecting an emotional state, 63/450,502.
- Compounds and Methods for Treating Central Nervous System Disorders. Prov. 63/536,009.
- Uncovering the molecular basis of positive affect using rough-and-tumble play in rats: a role for insulin-like growth factor 1. Neuroscience (2010). See More
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Produces an Antidepressant-Like Effect and Elicits N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Independent Long-Term Potentiation of Synaptic Transmission in Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus. Int. J. Neuropsychopharmacol (2015). See More
- IGFBP2 Produces Rapid-Acting and Long-Lasting Effects in Rat Models of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder via a Novel Mechanism Associated with Structural Plasticity. Int. J. Neuropsychopharmacol (2017). See More
- An IGFBP2-derived peptide promotes neuroplasticity and rescues deficits in a mouse model of Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Molecular Psychiatry (2023). See More
- A prefrontal cortex alpha/delta switch controls the transition from positive to negative affective states. Nature Discover Mental Health (In press). See More