Brain Canada and CQDM support the development of innovative therapeutic solutions for mental health disorders with Diamond Therapeutics   

The Brain Canada Foundation and CQDM are proud to announce the funding of a research project to identify new chemical compounds with the potential to treat mental health disorders. This project, worth over $1.1 million, is made possible by a $200,820 grant from the Government of Quebec, awarded by CQDM, and a $250,000 grant from the Brain Canada Foundation via the Canadian Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative agreement between the Government of Canada and the Brain Canada Foundation (through Health Canada). 

Each year in Canada, one in five people faces a mental health disorder—an issue that directly or indirectly affects millions of Canadians.⁽¹⁾ Pharmacological treatments currently available are often ineffective and associated with major drawbacks such as significant side effects, a therapeutic latency of several months, and a high risk of dependence. Compounds from the psychedelic family have shown promising results in treating these illnesses. But since high doses are associated with side effects such as hallucinations, non-hallucinogenic compounds would offer a better alternative. In the funded project, Diamond Therapeutics, a company focused on developing safe, novel therapeutics for mental health, will join forces with complementary multidisciplinary teams to find a solution to this challenge. Terence Hébert and Paul Clarke of McGill University and Peter Chidiac of Western University will bring crucial expertise in signaling pathways, while Graciela Pineyro Centre de recherche Azrieli of CHU Sainte-Justine will contribute advanced analytical strategies. Together, they will develop and select new chemical compounds capable of targeting the signaling pathways stimulated by psychedelic molecules, while eliminating the associated hallucinations. This functional selectivity approach, combined with screening approached will enable faster selection of molecules of interest and accelerate their development for the benefit of patients.  

The most promising new chemical compounds identified will continue their development towards clinical studies, with the aim of offering a breath of hope to patients suffering from mental disorders. The global incidence of mental health problems has risen sharply in recent years, and it is therefore essential that more effective treatments be developed rapidly. 

“This project clearly shows the expertise of our Québec researchers in the healthcare field. By developing this new approach, we’re making a real difference to the quality of life for people with mental health problems and helping to address a social issue,” said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region. 

 
” This project reflects the collaborative innovation essential to advancing mental health research in Quebec and Canada, while stimulating our knowledge-based economy. By supporting the development of local expertise in medicinal chemistry and neuropharmacology, we are not only fostering promising scientific advances for people with mental illness, but also the growth of a strategic sector for our economy. The most promising compounds will be brought to clinical trials, generating tangible benefits for all “, affirms Véronique Dugas, President and CEO of CQDM. 

Dr. Hébert, the lead investigator and Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at McGill University, remarked that “what is powerful, in our approach, is the scaling from chemistry to biosensor-based drug discovery in generic cell models, primary cells and in vivo- combined with simultaneous behavioural readouts and deep analysis and integration of these data sets. We aim to develop an optimized set of therapeutic compounds to treat critical unmet clinical needs in mental health”.   

Judith Blumstock, CEO of Diamond Therapeutics added, “this project allows us to accelerate our drug development efforts, selecting better drug candidates earlier, with a more thorough understanding of underlying mechanisms. We are thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to work with such an outstanding team”.