Synaptic Research

The history of Synaptic Research dates to 1989. In that year, Dr. George A. Oyler (see
Officers for detailed CV) published his PhD thesis with seminal work on the Botulinum
Neurotoxin (BoNT). Dr. Oyler's BoNT research continued through his affiliations with a
number of highly-respected institutions, including the Scripps Research Institute,
Pennsylvania State University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of
Maryland. Some of his early work is now described in a patent application currently
before the US Patent and Technology Office. (See patent listing under Technology or
click here for patent).

As Dr. Oyler's work progressed, he became increasingly interested in the ubiquitin
system and its potential use in the treatment of diseases, including botulism and other
toxin-related diseases. As this work progressed, it was clear that the best way to
provide continuity with a growing number of institutions was to form a corporation
devoted to the fields of ubiquitin and toxins, including applications and treatments. The
toxin work deals especially with botulism, but also includes diphtheria, tetanus,
Shiga-toxin and other toxins. For this purpose Synaptic Research was formed as a
Limited Liability Corporation in 2006, with Dr. Oyler as President. The name Synaptic
Research draws from the fact that many toxins, specifically including the botulinum
toxin, achieve their effect by disrupting neurotransmission at the synaptic junction.

Synaptic Research is currently performing R&D under government and commercial
contracts in addition to its product development efforts.