AVPR1A blockade for the treatment of social isolation-induced anxiety in females

This technology is a therapeutic for social isolation-induced anxiety in females by regulating arginine vasopressin (Avp) and its receptor AVPR1A in the central amygdala.

Unmet Need: Targeted therapy for anxiety-related disorders

Social isolation increases anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors, and studies suggest that women are at higher risk of social isolation-induced anxiety. Despite treatment advancements, anxiety-related disorders remain the most prevalent mental disorders, significantly impairing individuals and impacting public health. To address these anxiety phenotypes, there is a critical need for targeted therapeutics for more personalized and effective treatment of anxiety disorders.

The Technology: Targeted social isolation-induced anxiety treatment in females via AVPR1A regulation

This technology mitigates social isolation-induced anxiety in females by regulating the arginine vasopressin (Avp) system and its receptor, AVPR1A. Social isolation leads to an increased expression of Avp and AVPR1A specifically in the amygdala of female mice, suggesting a gender-specific response. To address this, the technology employs compositions and methods such as AVPR1A antagonists (e.g., SRX246) to block the AVPR1A pathway, reducing anxiety and OCD-like behaviors. In addition, antisense oligonucleotides targeting AVPR1a pathways could be effective anxiolytics.

This technology has been validated with mouse models.

Applications:

  • Pathogenetic research on anxiety and other psychiatric disorders
  • Research on gender dependence of anxiety disorders
  • Screening platform for AVPR1a modulators
  • Therapeutic for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in females
  • Therapeutic for social isolation-induced anxiety in females

Advantages:

  • Effective and efficient
  • Gender specific
  • More targeted and personalized pharmacological treatments for isolation-induced anxiety and OCD
  • Potential use of existing technologies
  • Preclinical validation

Lead Inventor:

Lori Michelle Zeltser, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (WO/2023/164710)

Related Publications:

*François M, Delgado IC, Lafond A, Lewis EM, Kuromaru M, Hassouna R, Deng S, Thaker VV, Dölen G, Zeltser LM. Amygdala AVPR1A mediates susceptibility to chronic social isolation in females. bioRxiv. 2023 Feb 15:2023-02.

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