Preclinical assessment of the novel compound d-Govadine as a treatment for cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders

Cognitive impairment is a debilitating feature of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders (SUD), depression and Alzheimer’s disease. There is a significant need for treatments targeting key cognitive deficits including working memory and behavioral flexibility, and the development of these therapeutics have the potential for broad clinical use in psychiatry. d-Govadine (d-GOV) is a novel, plant-derived compound that has been shown in rodent studies to facilitate and restore these key cognitive functions that are impaired in schizophrenia and SUD. Although the mechanism of d-GOV is unclear, it appears to uniquely modulate dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex. The aim of this project is to investigate the mechanism of action of d-GOV and its safety, absorption and metabolism in the body, critical information for submitting an investigational new drug (IND) application to advance d-GOV to clinical trials. This preclinical assessment is made possible by partnering with Resilience Biosciences Inc, which in turn enables them to submit an IND application for d-GOV.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anthony Phillips

Student:

Partner:

Resilience Biosciences Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: