Brain uptake measurement of appetite-suppressing compounds for therapeutic development
A sensitive method for measuring the brain uptake of appetite-suppressing compounds, enabling the identification of effective candidates for obesity therapy. It employs radiolabeled substrates to track transport across the blood-brain barrier and understand uptake mechanisms.
Overview
This innovative solution offers a sensitive and quantitative method to measure the brain uptake of appetite-suppressing compounds, specifically focusing on GLP-1 and its receptor agonists. By identifying effective transport across the blood-brain barrier, this method aids in expanding the pool of potential therapeutic candidates for obesity management. The method involves intravenous injection of radiolabeled substrates in mice, allowing precise tracking of pharmacokinetics and spatial distribution within the brain.
Technical specifications
- Utilizes radioactivity to measure transport of incretin agonists across the blood-brain barrier.
- Quantitative analysis of pharmacokinetics, including brain vascular binding and uptake distribution.
- Focuses on the hypothalamus for understanding site-specific activity.
- Future validation through partnerships to test lead candidates, requiring 30 mice per candidate.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, this method has been validated in laboratory settings and requires further testing with lead candidates to advance understanding of blood-brain barrier transport mechanisms and identify combination therapies.
About University of Washington
The University of Washington is a large public research university with campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma, known for a broad portfolio from fundamental discovery to applied innovation. Industry partners engage through a South Lake Union research campus adjacent to a major life sciences district and through collaboration programs that place faculty and students alongside corporate R&D. The university’s integration with a major academic health system enables clinical translation and large-scale trials. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup incubation with prototyping resources.
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