Ovid Therapeutics Announces Positive Preclinical OV101 Data Demonstrating Behavioral Improvements in Fragile X Syndrome Model
“Treatment with OV101 results in significant behavioral improvements that are consistent across all behavioral endpoints tested,” said
In the study, researchers demonstrated that acute administration of 0.5 mg/kg of OV101 to Fmr1 knockout mice fully normalized behavioral abnormalities relevant to Fragile X syndrome (hyperactivity, anxiety, irritability and aggression, and restricted and repetitive behaviors). All effects were highly statistically significant (p < 0.001). It is believed that symptoms of Fragile X syndrome are a result of disrupted tonic inhibition, the key to the brain's ability to discriminate signal from noise. The results presented indicate that by specifically targeting the delta (δ)-subset of GABA receptors, OV101 may be able to alleviate symptoms of Fragile X syndrome by modulating the GABA pathway and restoring tonic inhibition.
“We have built a strong foundation in scientific analysis, translational medicine, drug development and regulatory capabilities. This study builds upon this foundation and underscores the potential role of OV101 in modulating tonic inhibition, an important underlying mechanism in certain neurodevelopmental disorders,” said
About OV101
OV101 (gaboxadol) is believed to be the only delta (δ)-selective GABAA receptor agonist in development and the first investigational drug to specifically target the disruption of tonic inhibition that is thought to be the underlying cause of certain neurodevelopmental disorders. OV101 has been demonstrated in laboratory studies and animal models to selectively activate the δ-subunit of GABAA receptors, which are found in the extrasynaptic space (outside of the synapse), and thereby impact neuronal activity through tonic inhibition.
Ovid is developing OV101 for the treatment of Angelman syndrome and Fragile X syndrome to potentially restore tonic inhibition and relieve several of the symptoms of these disorders. In preclinical studies, it was observed that OV101 improved symptoms of Angelman syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. To date, gaboxadol has been tested in over 4,000 patients (approximately 950 patient-years of exposure) and was observed to have favorable safety and bioavailability profiles.
The
About Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and autism, with a prevalence of 1 in 3,600 to 4,000 males and 1 in 4,000 to 6,000 females in
In studies of individuals with Fragile X syndrome and in experimental models, extrasynaptic GABA levels are abnormally reduced, and there is also dysregulation of GABA receptors. This ultimately contributes to a decrease in tonic inhibition, causing the brain to become inundated with signals and lose the ability to separate background noise from critical information.
About
For more information on Ovid, please visit http://www.ovidrx.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain disclosures that contain “forward-looking statements,” including, without limitation, statements regarding progress, timing, scope and results of clinical trials for Ovid’s product candidates, the reporting of clinical data regarding Ovid’s product candidates, the development of OV101 as a potential first in class compound for Fragile X syndrome and the potential use of TAK-935/OV935 to treat rare epilepsies. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “will,” “believes” and “expects.” Forward-looking statements are based on Ovid’s current expectations and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Ovid’s filings with the
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