3Z Pharmaceuticals Releases Study on ADHD Therapeutics Metabolic Pathways

In a recent development that could significantly impact the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, 3Z Pharmaceuticals has made strides in understanding the metabolic mechanisms behind ADHD treatments. The Iceland-based company announced a pioneering study published in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, which sheds light on the metabolic effects of various ADHD medications. This research addresses a crucial gap in the comprehension of ADHD treatment modalities by exploring the metabolic nuances of both stimulant and non-stimulant drugs.

ADHD, a common neurodevelopmental condition, often involves complex biological mechanisms and has a limited array of treatment options. Despite the widespread use of medications, the detailed metabolic impacts on the brain have remained largely elusive. The new study by 3Z Pharmaceuticals marks a significant step forward in unraveling these effects.

Dr. Karl Karlsson, CEO of 3Z Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the importance of the study, noting that it represents a substantial advancement in ADHD therapeutic research. He emphasized that through sophisticated metabolomics and lipidomics, the research team has identified a common metabolic signature across ADHD treatments. This discovery underscores the potential of targeting L-type calcium channels as a foundation for developing new non-stimulant therapies for ADHD. The findings not only corroborate the company's existing drug discovery platform but also herald the possibility of innovative treatment avenues.

To address the existing knowledge gap, 3Z Pharmaceuticals utilized a comprehensive systems biology approach. This included integrating cross-species analyses and employing the zebrafish adgrl3.1 ADHD model in conjunction with targeted metabolomic profiling. The goal was to unearth common metabolic pathways that are influenced by ADHD therapeutics.

Among the key findings of the study is the convergence of metabolic pathways influenced by existing ADHD medications. The research highlighted that drugs such as methylphenidate, guanfacine, and atomoxetine, along with a novel candidate, amlodipine, affect shared metabolic pathways linked to amino acid and lipid metabolism. These pathways include those related to glycine, serine, threonine, lysophosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin.

The study also points out that ADHD medications may exert a more systemic impact rather than acting through distinct mechanisms. They appear to influence neurotransmitter precursors, oxidative stress markers, and energy metabolism, suggesting a broader systemic effect.

One of the notable revelations is the overlap in the metabolic profile of amlodipine with established ADHD treatments. This finding supports the notion that engaging L-type calcium channels could be a viable therapeutic strategy for ADHD.

Building on these insights, 3Z Pharmaceuticals is committed to advancing its metabolomics-driven approach to CNS drug discovery. The company aims to refine therapeutic targets and optimize treatment strategies in preparation for future clinical trials.

3Z Pharmaceuticals, based in Reykjavik, Iceland, is dedicated to developing next-generation therapies for CNS disorders. The company is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge drug development technologies, combining high-throughput screening, multi-omics, and AI analytics to drive innovation in the field. Through a focus on translational validation, 3Z Pharmaceuticals seeks to mitigate risks in CNS drug development by leveraging multi-species assessments and human genetic research to enhance the predictability of clinical outcomes.