Lamotrigine

LAFAYETTE, Calif., May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alexander Shulgin Research Institute (ASRI) has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery in the journal Molecular Pharmacology: the first bifunctional compound that acts as both a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist and a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker. This novel molecule, known as XOB, could revolutionize the treatment landscape for bipolar disorder. Key Findings: Continue Reading ASRI's discovery of XOB marks a significant milestone in psychiatric pharmacology. Post this 1. XOB's Dual Mechanism of Action: ASRI Co-Founder and President, Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, spearheaded the design and synthesis of XOB. His team collaborated with experts from leading institutions, including the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Stanford University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Usona Institute, and Promega Corporation. Lead author Dr. Nicholas Denomme, of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Stanford University, guided and performed electrophysiology studies which revealed that XOB had a blocking effect on voltage-gated sodium channels in cultured cells and neurons. ASRI and Usona Institute scientists performed essential physical and chemical analyses of XOB, while researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Promega Corporation assessed serotonin receptor binding and functional effects. 2. Potential Impact on Bipolar Disorder Treatment: Bipolar disorder management often involves a combination of drugs, such as a serotonin receptor antagonist (e.g., quetiapine) and a sodium channel blocker (e.g., lamotrigine). XOB's unique property lies in its ability to perform both functions simultaneously, at similar drug concentrations. Dr. Cozzi emphasized that XOB represents a proof-of-concept, opening doors to safer and more effective treatments for this challenging disease. 3. Polypharmacology: A New Paradigm: XOB exemplifies polypharmacology, wherein a single drug targets multiple disease-related pathways. This approach recognizes that many disorders have complex genetic origins, necessitating multifaceted therapeutic strategies. ASRI's discovery of XOB marks a significant milestone in psychiatric pharmacology. The potential to address bipolar disorder with a single, multifunctional compound could transform patient care and improve outcomes. Further research and clinical trials will determine XOB's efficacy and safety profile. Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations. About ASRI: Established on Bicycle Day in 2021 by Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Dr. Paul Daley, and the late Ann Shulgin, ASRI continues the legacy of the esteemed chemist Alexander Shulgin, renowned for his pioneering work in discovering psychedelic compounds. At the forefront of the burgeoning interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, ASRI remains steadfast in its commitment to applied therapeutics, targeting neurological, neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, pain syndrome, inflammation, and overall wellness enhancement domains. Drawing upon a wealth of knowledge in chemistry, pharmacology, and neuroscience, ASRI is committed to catalyzing positive change in global healthcare. Noteworthy is the Shulgin Vault, housing an extensive repository of over 500 compounds synthesized by Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin and ASRI scientists, offering a rich spectrum of novel variations spanning phenylalkylamines, tryptamines, lysergamides, isoquinolines, cathinones, and more. For more information on ASRI, please visit: . Forward-looking statement: This release contains forward-looking statements regarding ASRI's anticipated future events and outcomes, such as data projections and advancements in drug discovery methods. These statements are based on current expectations and assessments but are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the ongoing impact of COVID-19, fluctuations in economic conditions, market dynamics, regulatory constraints, and other variables may cause actual results to differ from those anticipated. While ASRI's management has made reasonable assumptions, the actual outcomes may deviate significantly. It's important to note that ASRI has refrained from making medical assertions about its products, and regulatory bodies like the FDA have not yet evaluated their effectiveness. Rigorous clinical trials are necessary for validation, a process which ASRI has not yet undertaken. Without obtaining the required approvals or conducting essential research, ASRI's performance and operations may be negatively impacted. Therefore, stakeholders should be mindful of these uncertainties when considering the forward-looking statements contained in this release.‍ Media Contact: Kathy Lanser, [email protected] SOURCE Alexander Shulgin Research Institute

While older drugs for epilepsy, taken while pregnant, have been shown in previous research to affect the creative thinking of children, a new study finds no effects on creativity for children born to those taking newer epilepsy drugs. While older drugs for epilepsy, taken while pregnant, have been shown in previous research to affect the creative thinking of children, a new study finds no effects on creativity for children born to those taking newer epilepsy drugs. This study is published in the May 29, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Overall, the study found no effects on the children's creative abilities or their executive function, which is a person's ability to plan, focus, and manage multiple tasks. However, when researchers looked only at children with higher concentrations of these medications in the mother's blood during the third trimester, the study found an association with poorer performance in tests of children's executive function, but no effect on their creative abilities. "Our findings highlight that even for epilepsy medications that are generally considered to be safe in pregnancy, dose adjustments should be made with a goal of reaching an optimal balance between controlling seizures and the minimizing negative effects on the developing child," said study author Kimford Meador, MD, PhD, of Stanford University in Palo Alto, California and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. The study involved 251 children of female participants with epilepsy and 73 children of female participants without the disease. Of those with epilepsy, most were taking just one epilepsy medication. Of this group, 81 people were on lamotrigine and 68 people were on levetiracetam. The children were evaluated at age four and a half with a test of creative thinking where they were provided with a shape or figure and responded by completing or adding their own illustrations. This test assesses fluency, flexibility and originality abilities. After adjusting for mothers' IQ and education, researchers found no differences in the creativity scores between the children born to mothers with epilepsy and those born to mothers without the disease. In addition, they found no differences in creativity between the children of mothers with epilepsy that could be linked to different levels of antiseizure medications found in mothers' blood samples during the third trimester. However, researchers found higher third trimester blood concentrations of these medications were associated with poorer performance on tests of executive skills. This link was mainly associated with exposure to levetiracetam. "There is still so much to learn about the impact of a mother's epilepsy medications on their child's creative development," said Meador. "More studies are needed, especially in older children, to assess the full effect of these medications on childhood development." A limitation of the study was that cognitive tests at age four and a half are not as accurate at predicting creativity and thinking skills in the teenage and adult years as tests taken at older ages.