Molecular Pharmacology Research Program
Overview
This program supports research aimed at characterizing the molecular properties of novel pharmacological research tools for the study of cells and molecular imaging. Supported research includes studies on the design, synthesis, and characterization of target-selective ligands, the identification and characterization of compounds derived from natural products, molecular modeling and computational chemistry, the isolation and characterization of endogenous ligands, and the development and evaluation of novel chemical delivery systems. The program also provides a range of research resources, including the screening of novel psychoactive compounds at CNS receptors, channels, and transporters; the synthesis and distribution of psychoactive compounds; and the assessment of promising compounds for toxicity and safety for use in human studies.
Contact
Lois Winsky, Ph.D.
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7185, MSC 9641
301-443-5288, lwinsky@mail.nih.gov
Contact for Research Resources
Jamie Driscoll, B.A.
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7194, MSC 9641
301-443-5288, jdrisco1@mail.nih.gov
Research Resources
NIMH Psychoactive Drug Screening Program — The program provides screening of novel psychoactive compounds for pharmacological and functional activity at cloned human or rodent CNS receptors, channels, and transporters. Assays are also available for bioavailability predictions (CaCo2, MDR-1) and cardiovascular toxicity predictions (HERG, 5-HT2B). The program also supports a database of affinity constants for ligand binding.
NIMH Chemical Synthesis and Drug Supply Program — The program synthesizes and distributes novel research chemicals, psychoactive drugs, and compounds unavailable to the scientific community from commercial sources. The program also supports radiosynthesis and GMP synthesis of promising candidate compounds for use in clinical studies.
Toxicological Evaluation of Novel Ligands Program — The program provides toxicology and safety assessment of promising, target-selective compounds for use as imaging ligands in human studies. The program will also provide limited assessment of novel psychoactive agents for clinical research and as potential therapeutics. Toxicology and safety data generated by the program will be used to support an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and for Radioactive Drug Research Committee (RDRC) evaluation of a compound for human studies.
