Value Proposition
· Potent inhibition of serotonin transporter (SERT) in GI system
· Luminally and or/peripherally-restricted SERT inhibitors
· Result in enhanced action of serotonin in stimulation of GI motility
· Spares the body of systemic and CNS effects
Unmet Need
Constipation-predominant IBS involves reduced gastrointestinal motility. Additionally, it is known that serotonin is a critical messenger for GI fluid secretion, motility, and sensation. It has been shown that a known side effect of SERT inhibition with SSRIs (prescribed for anxiety or depression) is increased GI motility in a manner that is beneficial for reduction of constipation-predominant IBS symptoms. Therefore, there is a strong need for luminally and peripherally restricted SERT inhibitors that only target SERT locally within the intestinal lumen to address the need for a specific treatment for constipation-predominant IBS.
Technology Description
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the Lieber Institute have developed inhibitors of SERT that would serve as useful treatments for conditions of gastroparesis such as constipation-predominant IBS. These inhibitors are luminally and peripherally restricted such that they target SERT within the gastrointestinal system while not affecting SERT in peripheral locations or within the CNS. This is useful to ensure efficient intracellular serotonin signaling and subsequently promotes GI motility.
Stage of Development
· Animal studies have been completed.
Data Availability
· Data available upon request.
Publication
· WO2023102477
