In Vivo and Behavioral Pharmacology

Objective

Provide pharmacological characterization of small molecule ligands in established preclinical models of central nervous system (CNS) disorders including schizophrenia (Sz), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), dystonia, and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 

Technology/Techniques 

• Assay evaluating antipsychotic-like activity: Amphetamine- or MK-801 Induced hyperlocomotion, PPI, CAR 

• Assays to assess cognitive function:  NOR, conditioned fear, RAM, MWM  

• Assays to evaluate efficacy in movement disorders: HIC, 6-OHDA lesion forelimb asymmetry, rotarod, automated gait analysis 

• Assays to evaluate pain: von Frey, Hargreaves, formalin test 

• Assays to assess addiction:  Self administration, CPP 

• Genetic/humanized rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease 

• Dosing/collection of in life PK samples for DMPK 

Innovation 

• Develop strong pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships in various animal models for GPCRs and related targets 

• Support biomarker strategies (i.e. EEG, phMRI, PET) in preclinical models 

• Evaluate early stage, preclinical toxicology and safety pharmacology for pre-IND candidates