Melior Discovery Enters Into Collaboration With Rett Syndrome Research Trust

Melior Discovery has developed expertise in screening compounds for potential therapeutic activity in animal models. Melior is expected to apply this expertise to the evaluation of large numbers of drug-candidates in a specialised model of Rett Syndrome.

Andrew Reaume, CEO at Melior Discovery, said: “This partnership is further illustration of Melior’s truly unique capabilities and competence in high throughput in vivo pharmacology.”

Monica Coenraads, executive director at Rett Syndrome Research Trust, said: “We are pleased to be working with Melior and have been impressed with their ability to rapidly and effectively evaluate compounds in animal models. We look forward to our collaboration as we strive to identify compounds to ameliorate the devastating symptoms of Rett.”

Rett Syndrome, a physically disabling of the autism spectrum disorder, strikes young girls almost exclusively, with first symptoms usually appearing before the age of 18 months. These children lose speech, motor control and functional hand use, and many suffer from seizures, orthopedic and severe digestive problems, breathing and other autonomic impairments. Most live into adulthood, and require total, around-the-clock care.

The disorder is caused by alterations of an X-linked gene, MECP2. The animal models that have been developed mimic the disorder well and provide an excellent system to test potential drug candidates.