Measuring blood–brain barrier penetration using the NeuroCart, a CNS test battery

To systematically study the pharmacodynamics of a CNS drug early in the development process, we developed and validated a battery of drug-sensitive CNS tests, which we call NeuroCart. Using this test battery, data-intensive phase 1 studies in healthy subjects can be performed to demonstrate the specific, time- and dose-dependent, neurophysiological and/or neuropsychological effects of a compound, thereby confirming whether the test compound reaches its intended target in the CNS - or does not reach its intended target. We use this test battery to demonstrate that a compound passes the blood-brain barrier.