The Neuropharmacology of Addictions and Degenerative Disorders (NEUROFAN) group, led by Pharmacology professor and Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Gonzalo Herradón, has been chosen as one of the 5 winners in the 2023 Smart Business-Transformation category at the 'Top Insiders' Awards ceremony by the editorial team of the U.S. digital media company Business Insider España.

Gonzalo Herradón, the main researcher of the NEUROFAN group, stated that “the award has surprised us. Us scientists, are academics. But, considering the criteria, I understand and appreciate it." Speaking to the attendees, he pointed out that "In 1980, there were 90 people over 100 years old. Today, there are more than 700 thousand. Researching neurodegenerative diseases and their causes is not an option; it's a necessity. Thanks to everyone and to Universidad CEU San Pablo for always supporting me in my research projects."

In their second edition this year, the Top Insiders Awards aim to recognize companies that stand out for their growth, innovative spirit, and transformative ability, serving as examples and inspiration to others. Business Insider España has selected, for Top Insiders 2023, 50 companies of different sizes and sectors that it believes are driving change and promoting innovation.

NEUROFAN Group

The Neuropharmacology of Addictions and Degenerative Disorders group conducts all the phases involved in identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic targets in diseases of the central nervous system such as addictive disorders or neurodegenerative diseases. Preclinical validation of new compounds with therapeutic potential is also undertaken.

The group's research lines include studying the molecular mechanisms involved in substance dependence and neurodegenerative diseases, addressing conditions like alcoholism. A common mechanism in these pathologies is neuroinflammation, which, when chronic, exacerbates neurodegenerative processes. Therefore, it is of great interest to study the mechanisms triggering and perpetuating neuroinflammation. This has led the group to discover new targets in neuroinflammation and investigate the pharmacological modulation of these targets as a new therapeutic strategy in multiple diseases associated with neuroinflammatory processes.

The research group is composed of Gonzalo Herradón (Main Researcher), Luis Fernando Alguacil, Carmen González, Esther Gramage, Carmen Pérez, María José Polanco, Milagros Galán, Marta Vicente, Carmen Ovejero, Rosario López, Paloma Martínez–Alesón, and Marta del Campo (Postdoctoral Researcher in the Community of Madrid's 'Atracción del Talento’ Program).