The plan is to produce novel and defensible IP by the end of the project, filing patents for 3 groups of NCEs with each a distinct PKPD and target indication space:

• First Group: Brain penetrant DRP1-FIS1 inhibitors, compositions and uses thereof.

• Second Group: Orally available and BBB restricted DRP1-FIS1 inhibitors for systemic indications, compositions and uses thereof.

• Third Group: Low penetrance DRP1-FIS1 inhibitors for gut and eye restricted delivery, compositions and uses thereof.

In order to accomplish this, the research team will conduct a series of experiments (detailed in Phase 1: Milestones 1 and 2, and Phase 2) in order to get to lead series selection. The top compounds will be further optimized until a lead compound is selected for IND enabling studies.