New Drug Candidates Derived from African Plant Show Promising Potential for Addiction and Depression Treatment

Scientists have developed two new drug candidates that have the potential to treat addiction and depression by targeting the serotonin transporter. These drugs were inspired by a traditional African psychedelic plant medicine called ibogaine. The compounds mimic the desirable effects of ibogaine without its dangerous side effects.

The study, published in the journal Cell, focused on the way ibogaine interacts with the serotonin transporter (SERT), which is a target for SSRI antidepressants. The research team from UCSF, Yale, and Duke universities virtually screened 200 million molecular structures to find ones that interacted with SERT similarly to ibogaine.

Ibogaine, found in the roots of the iboga plant, has been used for centuries in shamanistic rituals. However, it has not gained widespread acceptance due to its side effects and interference with various aspects of human biology.

The new drug candidates were identified using computational docking methods, which involve testing virtual chemical structures for binding with a protein. The team narrowed down the virtual library to 49 molecules, 13 of which inhibited SERT. The two most potent inhibitors were then tested on animal models of addiction, depression, and anxiety.

The results showed that these drugs were more potent than SSRI antidepressants like Paxil and had a selective effect on SERT without impacting other receptors and transporters. The researchers hope that these drugs will have a better therapeutic window and fewer side effects compared to ibogaine.

The structures of the new molecules have been submitted to Sigma Aldrich, a chemical manufacturing company, for further testing by other scientists. The study was funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Institutes of Health.

With millions of people suffering from depression and addiction, these new drug candidates offer hope for more effective and safer treatments. The collaborative effort between experts in different fields demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary research in making a difference in the field of medicine.

How did scientists discover the new drug candidates for addiction and depression treatment?

Scientists Make Breakthrough in Developing Safer and More Effective Drugs for Addiction and Depression Treatment

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have discovered two new drug candidates that have the potential to effectively treat addiction and depression by targeting the serotonin transporter. Inspired by the traditional African psychedelic plant medicine ibogaine, these compounds mimic the desirable effects of the plant without its dangerous side effects.

The study, published in the prestigious journal Cell, focused on understanding how ibogaine interacts with the serotonin transporter (SERT), which is also the target for SSRI antidepressants. Using advanced computational methods, the research team from UCSF, Yale, and Duke universities virtually screened an astounding 200 million molecular structures to find compounds that interact similarly to ibogaine.

For centuries, ibogaine, derived from the roots of the iboga plant, has been utilized in shamanistic rituals. However, its potential has not been fully realized due to its adverse effects and disruption of various aspects of human biology.

Using cutting-edge computational docking methods, the team narrowed down their search to 49 molecules, of which 13 were found to inhibit SERT. After rigorous testing on animal models of addiction, depression, and anxiety, the two most potent inhibitors were identified.

Remarkably, the results showcased that these drugs exhibited greater potency than popular SSRI antidepressants like Paxil. Importantly, they also displayed a selective effect on SERT without affecting other receptors and transporters. As a result, the researchers are optimistic that these novel drugs will provide a wider therapeutic window and fewer side effects compared to ibogaine.

To facilitate further testing and development, the molecular structures of the newly discovered compounds have been submitted to Sigma Aldrich, a reputable chemical manufacturing company. This will enable other scientists to evaluate their potential. Notably, this groundbreaking research was made possible through funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Institutes of Health.

With millions of individuals grappling with depression and addiction worldwide, these cutting-edge drug candidates bring renewed hope for more effective and safer treatments. Importantly, this study highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in the medical field, showcasing the immense potential of merging expertise from diverse fields to shape the future of medicine.