Talking Biotech with Dr. Kevin Folta Drug Discovery in the Synapse - Derek Small
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Sep 13, 2025 Derek Small, co-founder and CEO of Syndeo, discusses groundbreaking advances in treating neurological disorders, including the Boost platform for drug development. He highlights the critical role of synaptic function in mental health and the promise of event-driven pharmacology. The conversation also delves into the potential of psychedelics for therapeutic use and the innovative drug Zalquistinol, currently in trials for depression and Alzheimer's. Small advocates for destigmatizing mental health while emphasizing the need for targeted therapies and innovative strategies in drug discovery.
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Personal Motivation From Family Care
- Derek Small became fully focused on neuroscience after caring for his father with early-onset dementia.
- That personal experience motivated his commitment to develop better treatments.
Biomarkers Bridge The Predictive Gap
- Neuroscience drug development lags because preclinical models are less predictive and brain tissue is hard to sample.
- Cendeo focuses on biomarker-driven trials to enrich for patients likely to respond.
Synaptic Resilience As A Therapeutic Goal
- Cendeo treats many brain diseases as synaptopathies, focusing on synaptic function and resilience.
- Restoring synaptic plasticity and the supporting glial environment can create a 'resilient brain phenotype.'