This patent covers a family of novel chemical compounds — specifically gamma-amino alcohol derivatives — designed to block the recycling (reuptake) of key brain signaling chemicals including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. By preventing reuptake, these compounds keep neurotransmitters active in the brain longer, which is the same core mechanism used by widely prescribed antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs. The patent includes the molecular structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic use for treating depression and anxiety. The compounds are structurally distinct enough to be patentable alternatives to existing drug classes.
What you could build
A next-generation antidepressant or anxiolytic drug candidate targeting triple reuptake inhibition (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine); pharmaceutical companies or CNS-focused biotechs developing new depression therapies would be the primary licensees or acquirers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based CNS biotech startups or pharmaceutical licensing groups at institutions like Inova or within the Northern Virginia/DC biomedical corridor would have natural interest; also relevant to NIH-connected drug development programs in the region.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Elliott Richelson, Abdul H. Fauq, Paul Carlier, Christopher J. Monceaux
- Granted
- April 17, 2018
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9944618
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.