Multichannel Individualized Seizure Therapy (MIST) Device

The Multichannel Individualized Stimulation Therapy (MIST) device is a multichannel electrical stimulation system that can be used for targeted, individualized electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), especially for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Millions of individuals suffer from TRD, for which ECT is often the most efficacious and rapidly acting treatment option.

Automated Microscopic Image Acquisition, Compositing and Display Software Developed for Applied Microscopy/Cytology Training and Analysis

Micro-Screen is a CDC developed software program designed to capture images and archive and display a compiled image(s) from a portion of a microscope slide in real time. This program allows for the re-creation of larger images that are constructed from individual microscopic fields captured in up to five focal planes and two magnifications. This program may be especially useful for the creation of data archives for diagnostic and teaching purposes and for tracking histological changes during disease progression.

Novel Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists and Methods of Their Use

Investigators at the NIH have identified a series of novel, small molecule antagonists of the dopamine D2 receptor. Among the dopamine receptor (DAR) subtypes, D2 DAR is arguably one of the most validated drug targets in neurology and psychiatry. For instance, all receptor-based anti-Parkinsonian drugs work via stimulating the D2 DAR, whereas all FDA approved antipsychotic agents are antagonists of this receptor. Unfortunately, most agents that act as antagonists of D2 DAR are problematic, either they are less efficacious than desired or cause multiple adverse effects.

Novel Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) Technique to Quantify Brain Metabolites

With respect to quantification of metabolites in the brain, conventional methods of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) yield results that are highly variable and highly dependent on the sequence type being applied. This invention describes a novel MRS technique that involves preparing longitudinal steady states at different flip angles using trains of RF pulses interspersed with field gradients to quantify metabolites.

A Novel Reagent for Labeling PET Tracers at Trifluoromethyl Groups

The molecular imaging technique of positron emission tomography (PET) is an increasingly important tool in biomedical research and in drug discovery and development. Many small molecule drugs and potential PET radiotracers carry trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups. Because CF3 groups are generally considered to be metabolically stable, there is a strong interest in developing drugs with these groups.

A High-throughput Protocol for Creation of Brain Region-specific Neural Spheroids for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing

This technology includes a method for creating functional, brain region-specific neural spheroids that can be used for disease modeling and therapeutic testing of compounds for neurological diseases. The developed protocol uses somatic cells, including iPSC-derived neurons, as well as astrocytes using means such as 96- or 384-well ultra-low attachment round-bottom plates. Spheroids have been generated using this method that model brain regions such as the ventral tegmental area and prefrontal cortex, which are implicated in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Salt and Crystal Forms of 2R,6R-Hydroxynorketamine for the Treatment of Depression

This technology includes two new salt forms for (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (2R,6R-HNK), which is the lead molecule being developed for treatment-resistant depression. Currently, 2R,6R-HNK is being developed as the HCl salt. The HCl salt is slightly hygroscopic at high RH. This is a potential liability, especially in an oral pill form. Recently the malonate and salicylate salt have been discovered and found to have excellent crystalline behavior while also not having the hygroscopic liability the HCl salt holds. This represents a clear advantage.

Murine Model of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C

This technology includes a transgenic mouse model of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC), which is a rare neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by intracellular accumulation of cholesterol and gangliosides. The mouse strain, Tg(Npcl), expresses wild-type NPC1 gene under the control of the prion promoter. When combined with the NPC deficient mouse model, BALB/c npcnih/nih, also known as Npcl-/-, the transgene insertion allele rescues life expectancy of Npc1-/- mice. Npc1-/- mouse have reduced life expectancy and die around 8 weeks, making it a difficult model to be utilized.

Imaging Inflammation using PET Radioligands that Target Translocator Protein 18?kDa with High Affinity Regardless of Genotype

This technology includes a group of radioligands that label inflammatory cells specifically, accurately, and across different genotypes and can be detected using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The radioligands target the Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) receptor which is present on the outer mitochondrial membrane and is involved in the production of steroids. Current TSPO radioligands either lack specificity or have highly variable inter-subject sensitivities due to TSPO genotypic differences.