Aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), present a formidable challenge to global healthcare systems. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a spectrum of motor symptoms, which arise from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). The presence of Lewy bodies (LBs) is a defining pathological feature of Parkinson's disease. LBs are intracellular protein aggregates composed primarily of alpha-synuclein (α-syn). The accumulation of misfolded α-syn within neurons is thought to trigger a cascade of events leading to cellular toxicity and neurodegeneration.
Fig. 1 Implicated pathways for α-syn toxicity. (Fields CR, et al., 2019)
CD BioSciences offers drug discovery services aimed at mitigating the effects of Parkinson's disease. Our services are based on the intricacies of aging mechanisms contributing to the disease.
The misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are central to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. According to the demands of clients, we offer the identification of small molecules and biologics capable of preventing protein misfolding or promoting the clearance of aggregates. By focusing on these molecular targets that can mitigate α-syn aggregation, we help clients develop therapeutics that can significantly alter Parkinson's disease.
Aging is associated with a decline in autophagic activity, leading to the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles which is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Our approach focuses on the discovery of drug candidates that can enhance autophagy, thereby promoting the clearance of neurotoxic aggregates. We employ in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological agents, supporting the development of novel therapeutics aimed at restoring autophagic processes in aging neurons.
Senescent cells secrete various pro-inflammatory cytokines, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which can exacerbate neurodegeneration. Our drug discovery services focus on identifying potential drugs that can selectively target and eliminate senescent cells using advanced screening methods. Additionally, we are committed to exploring pathways that induce apoptosis in senescent cells.
Our drug discovery services are based on a thorough understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. We use a multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular biology and pharmacology, to help clients effectively identify and validate drug candidates.
We utilize advanced screening technologies to assess potential therapeutics against Parkinson's disease. We also employ in vitro and in vivo assays and various experimental models to rapidly evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates.
We offer customized drug discovery services to meet the specific needs of our clients' Parkinson's disease development projects.
CD BioSciences offers Parkinson's disease drug discovery services targeting aging-related mechanisms. We aim to help clients make progress in Parkinson's disease drug discovery, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by this debilitating disease. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
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All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.