Neurology

Mouse studies suggest agonizing CB1 could help treat depression. In a mouse model of depression, optogenetic activation of synaptic circuits involving cholecystokinin (CCK)-positive neurons in the basal lateral amygdala and dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2)-positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens increased social avoidance behaviors and decreased CNR1 expression in the circuits compared with no treatment. Also in the model, a CB1 agonist tool compound decreased social avoidance and depressive-like behavior compared with vehicle. Next steps could include optimizing and testing the compound in other models of depression.

Artelo Biosciences Inc. and Neomed Institute have the CB1 agonist NEO1940 in Phase II testing for pain...