Chapter 10: Use of Phenotypic Screening in Mice in the Development of a Novel Non-D2-Receptor-Targeting Drug for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

SEP-363856, a novel, first-in-class drug treatment being developed by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, showed robust therapeutic effects in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia across a broad range of disabling symptoms including positive, negative, depressive, and general psychopathology symptoms, with a safety profile similar to placebo. SmartCube^® – PsychoGenics’ proprietary mouse-based phenotypic platform, in combination with anti-target screening, was used as part of a phenotypic screening effort that identified SEP-363856. SmartCube^® employs computer vision and artificial intelligence to extract and analyze behavioral data for central nervous system disorders. SEP-363856 does not interact with dopamine D2 nor with 5HT2A receptors that mediate the effects of currently available antipsychotic agents. The SmartCube^® platform thus represents an effective approach to the discovery and development of the next generation of breakthrough treatments for schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders.