conceptual period

Recipient: Freiburg University Hospital
Funding: Go-Bio initial (01/10/2022 to 30/09/2023, EUR 119,094)

Depression is globally one of the most common diseases and affects at least one in ten people to an extent requiring treatment during the course of their lifetimes, thereby resulting in enormous suffering for those affected. It is the main cause of suicide and causes massive economic damage due to treatment costs, inability to work and early retirement. The drug treatment options for the disease are currently limited in terms of efficacy and tolerability so that an innovation crisis in this medical area is indicated. A severe innovation crisis in this area of medicine can be spoken of in this area of medicine. 

Within the scope of basic scientific work, the INNOVADE team was able to identify a new group of antidepressants. These block receptors that are activated by glutamate on so-called "inhibitory interneurons" in the brain. This can be done by both chemical agents and RNA-based therapies. The aim of the project is to develop highly innovative, fast-acting antidepressant therapy options for the widespread disease (depression) with few side effects.

As part of the "Go-Bio initial" funding, this life science concept is to be further developed for use in humans.

feasibility stage

Recipient: Albert-Ludwigs University of Freiburg
Funding: GO-Bio initial feasibility phase 3 (01/10/2023 to 31/03/2025, EUR 594,615.87)

Depression is generally one of the most common diseases and affects at least one in ten people to an extent requiring treatment during the course of their lifetimes. It causes enormous suffering to individuals, is the main cause of suicide and leads to massive economic damage from treatment costs, inability to work and early retirement. Drug treatment options for the disease are currently only effective and tolerated to a limited extent, so there is talk of a serious innovation crisis in this area of medicine. The project team has identified a new group of antidepressants that remodel structures in the brain and block certain receptors on inhibitory nerve cells in the brain. As a result they have a rapid antidepressant effect and show fewer side effects. As part of the GO-Bio initial funding a small molecule chemical active ingredient from this new group of antidepressants will be further developed on a preclinical level for use in humans. Among other things the efficacy and mechanism of action in animal models will be worked out and initial preclinical safety studies will be conducted. Dosage form studies and regulatory aspects for the clinical development phase are also being worked on. Another goal is the preparation of the intended spin-off.