Alex Roberts is the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Highlighted Trainee Author for the April 2020 issue. Dr. Roberts was a pre-doctoral trainee in the neuropharmacology research group based in the School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Sciences at the Medical and Dental College at the University of Birmingham, at the time his manuscript was accepted. He has since earned his doctorate from the University of Birmingham. His mentors are Prof. Nicholas Barnes and Dr. Andy Powel. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics article that earned his selection as a Highlighted Trainee Author is titled “CSTI-300 (SMP-100); a Novel 5-HT3 Receptor Partial Agonist with Potential to Treat Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Carcinoid Syndrome” and is available at https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.119.261008.
Dr. Roberts’ area of research is immunopharmacology. His pre-doctoral research characterized novel 5-HT3 receptor ligands in the treatment of altered gut activity commonly observed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and carcinoid syndrome. His current post-doctoral research investigates a potential inflammatory component in depression. Current anti-depressant drugs (e.g., SSRIs) are only effective in a minority of patients and hence investigating new mechanisms that may underlie depression (e.g., low-grade chronic inflammation) may offer new targets by which to treat these patients. Dr. Roberts’ hypothesis is that IL-6 receptor signaling is disrupted in depressed patients, which is being investigated directly as well as evaluating the action of the IL-6 receptor blocker tocilizumab in patients with depression.
The anticipated impact of Dr. Roberts’ research is the development of a potentially novel therapeutic approach to treat patients with SSRI-resistant depression.
When not in the lab, Alex enjoys watching and playing football (soccer) and viewing films at the cinema.