Work done by Yves De Koninck and his team has lead to the identification of novel compounds that could be used to treat many neurological disorders. A new phase in the development of new drugs based on these discoveries is beginning following the announcement that the pharmaceutical company Roche has reached an agreement with Université Laval to collaborate on testing the efficacy of these novel compounds.
Work done by Yves De Koninck and his team has lead to the identification of novel compounds that could be used to treat many neurological disorders. A new phase in the development of new drugs based on these discoveries is beginning following the announcement that the pharmaceutical company Roche has reached an agreement with Université Laval to collaborate on testing the efficacy of these novel compounds.
Professor De Koninck and his team have, over the last ten years, identified a cellular target, a protein called KCC2, in the central nervous system which could be involved in many neurological disorders, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, chronic stress and schizophrenia, in addition to autism spectrum disorders.
More importantly, the researchers have also identified molecules that affect the activity of KCC2. “Our analyses allow us to be very optimistic about the potential of the molecules that will be tested in collaboration with Roche”, states Dr. De Koninck. He adds “The main advantage of a drug that would regulate KCC2 is that it could restore normal functioning of diseased neurons without affecting healthy cells, minimizing the risk of side effects”.
Read more about this important collaboration in a press release by Université Laval website, and in Le Soleil newspaper (in French)
