The Science Behind is playing a crucial role in the neurophysiological screening and monitoring of a phase I clinical trial for a new drug, MDI-26478, developed by Cardiff University’s Medicines Discovery Institute, to treat cognitive decline in schizophrenia. The drug targets brain health receptors and aims to improve cognitive performance in schizophrenia patients. The clinical trial will be conducted at Simbec-Orion‘s MHRA Phase I Accredited Unit in Merthyr Tydfil, with neuroimaging studies at Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC).
Cardiff University’s Medicines Discovery Institute (MDI) has developed a promising new drug, MDI-26478, for the treatment of schizophrenia. The drug targets specific receptors that are essential for brain health and has been designed to improve cognitive performance, particularly in patients with schizophrenia. The MDI team is hopeful that this drug will offer a novel treatment option for this underserved community.
The drug has now entered the first phase of a clinical trial, which will be conducted at Simbec-Orion’s MHRA Phase I Accredited Unit in Merthyr Tydfil, with neuroimaging studies performed at Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC). The Medicines Discovery Institute is a leading university-based group in Europe for CNS drug discovery, while CUBRIC is a world-renowned centre for measuring pharmacological effects with magnetoencephalography and MRI. The research and clinical study have been funded by The Wellcome Trust.
In this clinical trial, The Science Behind have been contracted to provide neurophysiological screening and monitoring using the neuroimaging technique electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes attached to the scalp. Safety is a top priority during the EEG recording process, and the Deymed Diagnostics TruScan EEG, used by The Science Behind, is designed to ensure the highest quality of recording possible. EEG plays a crucial role in the screening and monitoring processes of clinical drug trials due to its ability to provide important insights into several aspects of drug development. EEG can help identify potential safety concerns by detecting changes in brain activity that may indicate serious neurological side effects. These capabilities make EEG an essential tool for ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs in clinical trials.
This project has brought together academic excellence and commercial organisations in South Wales to transform scientific discoveries from university laboratories into the clinic, where they have the potential to improve the lives of patients. The MDI team’s innovative approach, coupled with the expertise of CUBRIC, SIMBEC and The Science Behind, will facilitate the development of a new treatment option for individuals with schizophrenia, a group that has been historically underserved. The clinical trial will provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of MDI-26478, further advancing our understanding of the disorder and the development of new therapeutic interventions.
If you are interested in exploring how The Science e Behind can support your clinical trial, why not contact us? We’d love to hear from you.