A VAST potential for ion channel drug discovery (2013-2017)
Abstract
Ion channels are involved in a broad range of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, including pain and epilepsy. The aim of this project is to bring innovation to the discovery and characterisation of carbohydrate-based molecules in the VAST library developed by Alchemia that specifically target sodium and calcium channels. The best novel compounds will be evaluated in mechanism- and disease-based animal models. These novel molecules will provide much needed research tools as well as providing valuable leads for the development of improved therapies for the treatment of pain and related disorders, and thus have the potential to reduce the burgeoning socioecoinomic burden of chronic disease in Australia and internationally.
