Neurology

In silico, cell culture and rat studies identified a methanamine-based agonist of 5-HT1A receptor that could help treat depression and other neuropsychiatric diseases. Chemical synthesis, cell-based screening of methanamine analogs in binding assays and in silico screening of top hits for measures of drug-likeness yielded a compound (NLX-204) that bound 5-HT1A receptor with a K_i of 26.4 nM. In a rat model of depression, the compound decreased depression-associated immobility compared with vehicle. Next steps by Neurolixis Inc. include testing NLX-204 in other neuropsychiatric indications, such as cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. markets Buspar buspirone, a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist, for anxiety...