mGlu7 negative allosteric modulators for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorders

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric illness that stems from a traumatic event which may be repeatedly experienced through traumatic memories, flashbacks and nightmares. It has devastating symptoms, resulting in significant disability and disruption of life. It causes a significant health, social and economic burden for people with the disorder. The only approved drugs are antidepressants. These do not treat PTSD symptoms per se, and may worsen patients’ health when used  over a long period of time or when use is discontinued.

We will continue to develop mGlu7 negative allosteric modulator (NAM), a drug which blocks the glutamatergic neurotoxicity induced by severe life-threatening traumatic events in the regions of the brain that regulate fear, memory and emotions. This will restore glutamate dysregulation in brain regions.

This study could lead to an innovative, robust drug to treat PTSD core symptoms that is safe and has a fast-onset of action.