Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a disorder in which the brain is unable to control sleep or stay awake. Our company boasts a highly skilled team of researchers and scientists who possess extensive expertise in the study of narcolepsy. This expertise serves as the cornerstone for the development of groundbreaking diagnostic tools and therapeutic drugs. As a trusted and dependable partner, our company provides a comprehensive range of customized services to cater to your unique scientific research needs.
Introduction to Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a complex neurological disorder that affects the sleep-wake cycle and significantly impacts the lives of affected individuals. People with narcolepsy experience intense, uncontrollable sleepiness during the day, even during active tasks. This persistent sleepiness can interfere with daily activities, causing difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and depression or fatigue. Narcolepsy is a rare disease that can be divided into type 1 and type 2. The prevalence of narcolepsy type 1 is approximately 14 cases per 100,000 people, while narcolepsy type 2 affects approximately 65.4 cases per 100,000 people.
Pathogenesis of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy may be linked to genetic factors. Research shows that about 90% to 95% of people with narcolepsy type 1 have a specific genetic mutation that affects the immune system (HLA-DQB1*06:02). The genetic mutation hampers the synthesis of orexin, a vital modulator responsible for regulating wakefulness in the brain. As a result, narcolepsy type 1 is mainly caused by genetic factors that disrupt the production of specific brain chemicals involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. The exact cause of narcolepsy type 2 remains unknown, but experts hypothesize that it shares similarities with narcolepsy type 1.
Fig.1 Orexin pathways of action. (Krahn, Lois E., et al. 2022)Diagnostics Development of Narcolepsy
The diagnostic approaches for narcolepsy are constantly evolving and encompass various methods.
- Evaluating medical and family history
- Polysomnography (PSG) studies
- Multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT)
- Lumbar punctures
Therapeutics Development of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is an incurable, chronic neurological disorder whose symptoms are usually controlled with medication. Currently, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on targets for drug development. Here are some key targets.
| Target Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Orexin/hypocretin system | Narcolepsy type 1, also known as narcolepsy with cataplexy, is characterized by a deficiency of the neuropeptides orexin A and orexin B (also called hypocretin-1 and hypocretin-2). Therapies targeting the orexin system aim to restore orexin levels or enhance orexin signaling in the brain. This includes the development of orexin receptor agonists or small molecules that can increase orexin release or inhibit its degradation. |
| GABA system | Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates sleep and wakefulness and may be a target for narcolepsy therapeutics. For example, oxybate acts on GABA, promoting sleep and reducing episodes of cataplexy. |
| Histamine system | Histamine is involved in the regulation of wakefulness and plays a role in narcolepsy. Histamine H3 receptor antagonists are being investigated as potential therapeutic options to increase histamine release and promote wakefulness in individuals with narcolepsy. |
Our Services
Our company leads the way in rare disease research and therapeutic development. Our experienced team of scientists and researchers is committed to unraveling the intricacies of narcolepsy and other rare diseases through the creation of the advanced research platforms.
Research Platforms of Narcolepsy
Utilizing cutting-edge technology, our goal is to strategize and develop diagnostics for narcolepsy to promote early identification and accurate diagnosis of the disease. With the establishment of narcolepsy animal models and comprehensive investigations into disease mechanisms and targets, we possess the capacity to develop therapeutic drugs for narcolepsy, thereby facilitating safety evaluation and pharmacokinetic studies of drug candidates.
Animal Models of Narcolepsy
- Orexin KO mouse model
- Orexin/ataxin-3 mouse model
- Orexin receptor-deficient mouse model
Regardless of your current research stage, we offer comprehensive research services tailored to your needs. If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information and a detailed quotation regarding the specific services you require.
References
- Krahn, Lois E., Phyllis C. Zee, and Michael J. Thorpy. "Current understanding of narcolepsy 1 and its comorbidities: what clinicians need to know." Advances in Therapy (2022): 1-23.
- Irukayama-Tomobe, Yoko, et al. "Nonpeptide orexin type-2 receptor agonist ameliorates narcolepsy-cataplexy symptoms in mouse models." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 114.22 (2017): 5731-5736.
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