* Novel treatments for autoimmune disorders: Edward Roberts and his team designed and synthesized a selective and bitopic S1P1 agonist, RPC1063. This compound showed promise as a safe treatment for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Ozanimod (RPC1063), now marketed as Zeposia, has been approved for use in relapsing multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
* Novel treatments for neuropsychiatric and behavioral Disorders: Roberts' lab designed and developed a series of kappa opioid antagonists for stress-related mood disorders, migraine, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. One such antagonist, Navacaprant (formerly CYM-53093, BTRX-335140), exhibited robust efficacy in early clinical trials and is currently in multiple phase 3 trials for major depressive diseases.
* Compounds for use in the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders and/or post-traumatic stress disorders: Roberts' team designed and synthesized novel and improved V1a antagonists for potential therapeutic use in various neuropsychological disorders. One representative molecule NMRA-511 is currently in phase 2 clinical trials.
* Novel compounds for use in fibrotic diseases: Roberts' research explored the therapeutic potential of subtype 3 of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors as targets for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, fibrosis, and other related conditions.
* Novel compounds for use in seizures; Roberts and colleagues explored the use of Galanin receptor agonists to delay and prevent seizures in animals displaying excellent activity and better mortality outcomes than current first line treatment.