Neuropsychiatric Disorders - Bright Minds Biosciences

Neuropsychiatry Franchise

Psilocybin, which is the psychoactive and psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, may have the ability to reset the functional connectivity of brain circuits known to play a key role in major depressive disorder (MDD) by its action on the 5-HT_2A receptors. Unfortunately, because it is equally potent at the 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2B receptors, the full potential of this compound cannot be achieved in MDD patients because of side effects. These can be ameliorated by the Bright Minds Biosciences targeted 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2A/Cagonists.

MDD is a common (7.1% of all US adults; globally 264 million patients per WHO) highly disabling and stigmatized condition. It is often kept secret by patients. When disabled by MDD patients may have difficulty in the work place and in maintaining personal relationships. Some patients may lose hope of recovery and attempt suicide, particularly if treatments have been ineffective in producing remission or preventing relapse. MDD is a recurrent disorder, as 50–80% of patients who have received psychiatric care for an episode of major depression have at least one further episode and a median of four episodes in a lifetime.

Moreover, a host of other behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are exhibited by patients suffering from various forms of dementia. In particular, one domain of BPSD that has been routinely identified across patients with Alzheimers Disease is the hyperactivity–impulsivity–irritability–disinhibition–aggression–agitation (HIDA) domain. As the cognitive decline becomes more severe, there is an intensification of impulsivity.

Because of the prominent role played by 5-HT_2C in impulse control, Bright Minds has compounds in development for the treatment of binge eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders like opiate abuse cocaine abuse and smoking. Bright Minds Biosciences compounds have a unique advantage in the treatment of these disorders as by targeting the 5-HT_2C receptors. Our drugs have the potential to treat these disorders without increase in addiction or weight gain.

We are targeting patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) resistant to SSRIs, who are currently managed with a combination of drugs or with nasal ketamine treatment or electroshock therapy. Bright Minds Biosciences drugs have the potential to treat patients with resistant MDD without the side effects of SSRIs like weight gain, worsening sleep, worsening impulsivity.

Atypical antipsychotics the most used drugs to treat HIDA domain symptoms but have modest benefit, and in most cases the adverse effects of these medications represent serious risks. Parkinson’s Disease is another condition where treatment of impulsivity is a therapeutic challenge, as impulsivity worsens when patients are treated with dopaminergic drugs, the mainstay of treatment in this disease. Bright Minds Biosciences portfolio of 5-HT_2C agonists have the potential to treat these disorders in dementia and Parkinson’s Disease patients without the accompanying side effects on blood pressure and sleep.