Our Science
ZEUS: Zebrafish for Epilepsy DrUg Selection
ZEUS is the first zebrafish-based drug discovery platform designed specifically for genetic epilepsies. ZEUS uses gene editing to create zebrafish models that faithfully recapitulate genetic epilepsies. Using these models, a phenotype-based screening system systematically identifies the most promising drug candidates. This platform was developed at UCSF and identified the candidates licensed by Epygenix
(1) Zebrafish are genetically edited to model rare genetic epilepsies. For example, generating the loss-of-function SCN1A mutation seen in over 80% of Dravet Syndrome patients
(2) Models undergo rigorous multi-modal validation, including molecular, phenotypic, and pharmacologic evaluations
(3) EPX candidates are identified in blinded screenings of thousands of candidates in a zebrafish model using multiple phenotypic assays: locomotion, electrophysiology, and toxicity
Highly Translatable
The zebrafish model faithfully mimics human epilepsy phenotypes & is pharmacologically validated against multiple AEDs
Validated Candidates
Drug candidates can be repurposed drugs & are screened through multiple layers of phenotype-based assays
Rapid
Multi-Indication
Breadth of Impact
The ZEUS platform and its discovered EPX candidates have been validated in multiple genetic epilepsies. These include scn1lab zebrafish of Dravet Syndrome as well as models of other genetic epilepsies. Looking ahead, ZEUS has the potential to expand into additional genetic epilepsy indications as well.