Antioxidant Development
Antioxidants are defined as compounds or therapies designed to treat or manage rare neurologic conditions where oxidative stress is a predominant underlying pathological feature. At Protheragen, we focus on the development of new therapeutic antioxidants and the creation of exact animal models to expedite the preclinical evaluation of drug candidates. With us, you can rest assured that your research is receiving the best and most pertinent assistance, which in turn, speeds up your medication development timeline.
Introduction to Antioxidants for Rare Neurological Diseases
Chronic oxidative stress marks the pathological hallmarks of most neurological diseases and is defined by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which inflict injury to lipids, proteins, and DNA, as well as impair mitochondrial function. Antioxidants can neutralize neurotoxic ROS directly or tune up endogenous defense mechanisms, which in turn provides neuroprotection, reduces neuroinflammation, and slows disease progression. They are essential therapeutic agents to cope with chronic oxidative stress in neurological disorders.
Fig.1 Neuroprotective effects of flavonoids. (Bellavite P., 2023)Mechanisms of Action of Antioxidants
Combating neurological oxidative stress, antioxidants work through multiple mechanisms: direct free radical scavenging, enhancement of endogenous defenses, ROS-producing enzyme inhibition, mitochondrial protection, and chelation of redox-active metals. The neuroprotective properties of antioxidants in oxidative stress are achieved collectively through the different pathways noted above.
Fig.2 Five main mechanisms of action of antioxidants. (de Oliveira Silva E, Batista R., 2017)
Antioxidants for Rare Neurological Diseases
| Drug Names | Indications | Targets | Mechanism of Action | Phase |
| Edaravone | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) | Hydroxyl radicals, ONOO⁻ | Free radical scavenger | Approved |
| Cu(II)ATSM | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) | SOD1 enzyme | Copper chaperone/SOD mimetic | Phase II/III |
| EPI-589 | Rett syndrome | Glutathione reductase | Redox-active quinone | Phase II |
| RT001 | Friedreich's ataxia | Lipid membranes | Deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acid | Phase II |
| MitoQ | Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease | Mitochondria | Targeted CoQ10 analog | Phase II |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
As a premium research service provider, Protheragen excels in the precision crafting of tailored antioxidants specifically tailored for rare neurological disorders. Our approach intertwines meticulous mechanism-oriented drug design with the integration of validated disease models and exhaustive preclinical evaluations. Through our comprehensive end-to-end platform, we expedite the advancement of antioxidant therapies from the initial discovery phase to the stage of developing IND-ready candidates.
Multiple Molecular Types of Antioxidants
Protheragen specializes in providing antioxidant development services covering a wide range of molecule types. Our tailored approach ensures the development of effective antioxidant compounds to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Targets of Antioxidant Development
Our company offers antioxidant development services targeting multiple oxidative stress pathways and has extensive expertise in different molecular targets to support partnerships in the treatment of rare neurological diseases.
- Hydroxyl radical (·OH)
- Peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻)
- Superoxide (O₂⁻)
- SOD1/SOD2
- Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
- NADPH oxidase (NOX1-5)
- Xanthine oxidase
- NRF2-KEAP1 axis
- FOXO3
- Electron transport chain
- Cardiolipin
- Free iron (Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺)
- Copper (Cu⁺/Cu²⁺)
- 4-HNE adducts
- More
Protheragen is privileged to offer integrated preclinical services for the therapeutic development for rare neurological disorders. These services encompass various aspects of drug research, including pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK), and safety evaluations. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Bellavite P. Neuroprotective potentials of flavonoids: Experimental studies and mechanisms of action[J]. Antioxidants, 2023, 12(2): 280.
- de Oliveira Silva E, Batista R. Ferulic acid and naturally occurring compounds bearing a feruloyl moiety: a review on their structures, occurrence, and potential health benefits[J]. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2017, 16(4): 580-616.