Technology Transfer/Industry Partnerships

Diagnostics for Intellectual Disability
Brief Description: Our scientists have discovered a nonsense mutation in the TRAPPC9 gene and a missense mutation in the NSUN2 gene that allows for the direct diagnosis of intellectual disability with a predictive value of nearly 100%. These markers would strengthen the genetic testing menu of a diagnostic company, and may support therapeutic interventions for intellectual disability.

DNA Methylation Changes Associated with Major Psychosis
Brief Description: Our research has developed a proprietary microarray-based technology for DNA methylation profiling in large genomes. They have identified a number of epigenetic markers associated with major psychosis; namely, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Epigenetic disease markers will enable us to identify individuals at risk of these diseases and enroll them in prevention programs. They will also create new opportunities for the rational design of the next generation of drugs for psychiatric disease.

Novel Therapeutics for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Brief Description: CAMH scientists have   identified an interaction between dopamine transporter DAT and the presynaptic dopamine type 2 receptor (D2) which is thought to be an underlying cause for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). By characterizing this interaction, our scientists have developed a peptide that interferes with this coupling. As a result, this interfering peptide could lead to the development of a breakthrough therapy capable of delivering enhanced affinity, better efficacy, and a superior side-effect profile.

Novel Therapeutics for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Brief Description: Our scientists have identified a protein‐protein coupling between the glutamate R2 (GluR2) ‐ α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptor and the extracellular protein glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as a novel target for the treatment of the neurodegenerative effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). By characterizing the protein‐protein (GluR2‐GAPDH complex) interaction we have developed a peptide that interferes with this coupling thereby leading to the development of a breakthrough therapy capable of delivering enhanced affinity, efficacy, and a superior side effect profile.

Novel Therapeutics for the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Brief Description: Our researchers have discovered that two key proteins, the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and the protein “disrupted in schizophrenia 1” (DISC1), form a protein‐protein interaction complex which has been shown to contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Through the characterization of the protein‐protein interaction, we have developed a peptide that specifically interferes with this coupling; leading to the development of a breakthrough therapy capable of delivering enhanced affinity, efficacy, and a superior side effect profile.
 
Novel Therapeutics for the Treatment of Stroke
Brief Description: Our scientists have identified a previously unrecognized molecular pathway involving a series of protein‐protein interactions that underlies glutamate (GluR2) containing - α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptor mediated excitotoxicity as a novel target for treatment of stroke induced neuronal death and brain damage. Using this knowledge, CAMH scientists have discovered an interfering peptide which protects cells against ischemic- induced stroke, increasing neuronal survival and total infarct volume for up to 6 hours post administration.

Mobile App for Schizophrenia
Brief Description: CAMH researchers have developed a mobile app to objectively assess and encourage motivated behaviour, specifically goal-directed activity, which involves setting and completing plans and goals. The app allows for geo-location sensing that captures real-world behaviour and is connected to a reminder system that prompts the individual to pursue their goals. The mobile app offers a solution to the problem of motivation deficits in schizophrenia and would be a highly valuable tool for physicians and patients for improving motivation and promoting recovery, and for pharma who would benefit from the use of the app to assess patient response to medication.

Technology for Large-Scale DNA Methylation Profiling
Brief Description: Our scientists have developed a biomarker discovery platform that allows for genome-wide interrogation of methylation patterns in small DNA samples. The technology is a restriction enzyme-based assay that uses adaptor-specific PCR to amplify the DNA fraction of interest and compare methylation profiles of different samples using microarray technology.

Blood Pressure Awareness Scale and Insight Scale (BASIS)
Brief Description: Our researchers have developed a novel and easy-to-administer self-report measure of illness awareness in hypertension, a condition attributed to individuals with metabolic syndrome. The measure assesses the core domains of illness awareness, including awareness of need for treatment. With 10-point Likert scales for each item, this scale has the capacity to detect small changes in illness awareness and need for treatment scores. The tool provides a set of questions specific to blood pressure that are within the niche of understanding patient awareness of their illness, as well as a screening mechanism to determine which patients are most suitable for medication adherence programs or intervention.

Glucose Awareness Scale and Insight Scale (GAS)
Brief Description: Our researchers have developed a novel and easy-to-administer self-report measure of illness awareness in diabetes, a condition attributed to individuals with metabolic syndrome. The measure assesses the core domains of illness awareness, including awareness of need for treatment. With 10-point Likert scales for each item, this scale has the capacity to detect small changes in illness awareness and need for treatment scores. The tool provides a set of questions specific to diabetes that are within the niche of understanding patient awareness of their illness, as well as a screening mechanism to determine which patients are most suitable for medication adherence programs or intervention.

Obesity Awareness Scale and Insight Scale (OASIS)
Brief Description: Our researchers have developed a novel and easy-to-administer self-report measure of illness awareness in obesity, a condition attributed to individuals with metabolic syndrome. The measure assesses the core domains of illness awareness, including awareness of need for treatment. With 10-point Likert scales for each item, this scale has the capacity to detect small changes in illness awareness and need for treatment scores. The tool provides a set of questions specific to overweight or obesity that are within the niche of understanding patient awareness of their illness, as well as a screening mechanism to determine which patients are most suitable for medication adherence programs or intervention.

Psychosis Insight Assessment Scale
Brief Description: Our researchers have developed an easy to administer schizophrenia insight scale. The scale features both self-reported and clinician-rated versions that would be sensitive to small changes in insight over brief periods of time. Additionally, the scale would be able to assess the multidimensionality of insight. A 10 item self-report (VAGUS-SR) and a 5 item clinician-rated version (VAGUS-CR) of the scale were designed, based on previously validated scales, to measure the dimensions of insight into psychosis. Both scales are efficient, each taking approximately 5 minutes to administer/complete. Click here to visit the VAGUS scale website.

Medication Dispensing Device
Brief Description: Our scientists are developing a medication dispensing device that would automatically dispense medications and provide reminders to those with severe mental illness (SMI). The device aims to improve several factors that impair the ability of many persons with SMI to manage their illness effectively. There are minimal affordable products like this on the market, and yet there are many patients including the elderly populations who would benefit from such a device.

Innovative Drug Development Platform for Brain Disorders
Brief Description: CAMH investigators in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team have developed an early-stage drug discovery platform. To accelerate the translation of basic science findings into clinically useful drugs, they have proposed an accelerated drug development model that will allow for Fast-Try/Fast-Fail of lead targets and compounds. Necessary steps can be summarized as such: (1) target identification, (2) lead compound identification, (3) preclinical validation, (4) target engagement assay development in humans, (5) intellectual property portfolio development, (6) toxicology studies (preclinical models and humans), and finally (7) proof of concept clinical trial in a stratified population (based on genetics and target engagement) (i.e., Phase 2a). The most advanced target and compound leads to date focus on augmenting signaling at Alpha5-containing GABAA receptors. This accelerated drug development model provides a more efficient process and pipeline to translate basic sciences into drug development.