Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
An important and difficult issue to address in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is that a considerable portion of the patients do not respond to first-line treatments, which makes it necessary to create new therapies targeting different pathways. Given our extensive knowledge in the development of OCD therapies, Protheragen is optimally placed to offer customized optimization and full-service support to help you navigate the path from OCD therapy development to commercialization.
Introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is a long-lasting condition surrounded by a mental health issue marked by obsessive and unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts. These symptoms greatly disrupt a person's daily life and are linked to the disruption to cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits in the brain, which particularly involve the serotonin and glutamate systems. The first line of treatment is a combination of behavioral therapy and exposure with response prevention (ERP) and by using serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs).
Fig.1 The interactions between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) pathophysiology. (Robillard R, Boafo A., 2016)
Pathogenesis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is most often associated with the malfunction of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit with the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and striatum exhibiting hyperactive dysregulation. Genetic influences are significant, especially polymorphisms involving glutamatergic (SLC1A1, DLGAP1) and serotonergic pathways. Such conditions foster a loss of regulation with inflammation and certain dysregulated neurotransmitters like serotonin and glutamate, leading to a loss of synaptic plasticity and excessive inhibitory control, resulting in obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
Therapeutic Development for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
| Drug Name | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Fluoxetine | Potently inhibits presynaptic reuptake of serotonin into neurons | Serotonin transporter (SERT) | Approved |
| Fluvoxamine | Selectively blocks serotonin reuptake with additional sigma-1 receptor affinity | SERT, Sigma-1 receptor | Approved |
| Paroxetine | Strongly inhibits serotonin reuptake; weak anticholinergic properties | SERT | Approved |
| Sertraline | Inhibits serotonin reuptake; exhibits mild dopamine reuptake inhibition | SERT, dopamine transporter (DAT) | Approved |
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 professional preclinical research service provider, Protheragen is dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in the field of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We offer end-to-end solutions encompassing diagnostic development, novel therapeutic development, precise disease modeling, and rigorous preclinical validation. Our blood-brain barrier model enables critical assessments of drug permeability in the central nervous system (CNS), ensuring optimal brain exposure while minimizing systemic toxicity, thus expediting the development of effective therapies.
Therapeutic Development Services
By Mechanism of Action
Disease Model Development Services
In Vitro Model Development
- DICT-7 Mouse Model
- Hoxb8 Mutant Model
- 5-HT2c Receptor Knockout Model
- Sapap3 Mutant Model
- Quinpirole Induced Model
- Other Models
At Protheragen, we are committed to validating and optimizing therapies for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) through preclinical studies including pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicology to ensure their successful regulatory approval. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
Reference
- Robillard R, Boafo A. Etiopathology and neurobiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder: focus on biological rhythms and chronotherapy[J]. ChronoPhysiology and Therapy, 2016: 29-40.