The Zanos lab (Translational Neuropharmacology Lab) has been established mid-2022 at the University of Cyprus.

We are a dynamic interdisciplinary research team based in the city of Nicosia, Cyprus. Our diverse team brings together a wide range of expertise, including specialists in Drug Repurposing, Molecular and Behavioral Pharmacology, Drug Discovery, Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Systems Bioinformatics. Our lab has four main research units:

• Translational Neuropharmacology
• Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology
• Systems Bioinformatics
• Genetic Epidemiology

Embracing innovation, we integrate experimental techniques, including in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo rodent models, along with bioinformatics methodologies and genetic epidemiology, to unravel the complexities of different brain diseases, and other comorbid conditions. Our neuroscience and pharmacology research in Cyprus specifically focuses on neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders.

Notably, we have also made significant strides in clinical research, becoming the first lab in Cyprus to conduct a drug-interventional clinical trial, repurposing the anesthetic drug ketamine for treating opioid use disorders (EudraCT: 2022-001997-70). Building on this success, we are currently leading two additional pioneering clinical trials. The first investigates the associations between emotion regulation ability, stress-induced neural activity changes, and susceptibility to relapse in smokers attempting to quit (NCT06470321). This trial incorporates cortical electroencephalography (EEG) to assess neural activity and stress responses during a 24-hour nicotine abstinence period, followed by a computerized smoking cessation intervention and six months of abstinence monitoring. The second trial, a case-control study, explores the genetic and molecular bases of nicotine addiction to identify potential therapeutic targets (NCT06471387). This study leverages drug repurposing through Mendelian Randomization, a smoking cessation intervention, and the analysis of methylation status in participants undergoing nicotine abstinence. These innovative trials underscore our commitment to translating research into actionable clinical solutions. These innovative trials highlight our leadership in the neuroscience field in Cyprus, translating cutting-edge science into actionable clinical solutions.

In our quest for a healthier future, we go beyond traditional approaches. Our mission extends to exploring the potential of drug repurposing, leveraging the vast knowledge within our team to identify novel solutions for complex conditions. By combining our strengths in diverse fields, we aim to drive innovation and advance our understanding of these intricate disorders.

Our lab is open to new collaborations and welcomes the opportunity to work together with like-minded researchers and organizations. If you share an interest in our lab’s work and envision potential for collaboration, we’d be thrilled to explore new avenues for research and innovation, including the promising realm of drug repurposing. Together, let’s pave the way for transformative discoveries and contribute to the evolving landscape of neuropharmacology research.