Researchers from Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic have filed for protection of wireless, battery-free brain implants which may be used in the monitoring, stimulation, and treatment of epilepsy, tumors, neurodegenerative disorders, neuroinflammatory conditions and trauma.

Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc. has announced preclinical data showing that its small-molecule drug HLX-99 exhibited antineurodegenerative activities in multiple models, warranting further development.

Evotec SE has announced scientific progress within its neuroscience collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb Co., with a target-based program now advancing into late preclinical development. This milestone triggers a research payment of $20 million to Evotec.

Kapoose Creek Bio Corp. has announced the identification and advancement of two lead compounds with potential in neurology, specifically for indications in neurodegeneration and mental health. The compounds, KCB-100 and KCB-200, have shown potent neuroplastic and neuroprotective activity in gold-standard tests of primary neurons.

Bristol Myers Squibb Co. has exercised its option for an exclusive global license for PRX-019, a potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with an undisclosed target, under an agreement with Prothena Corp. plc.

Brain Trust Bio Inc. (BTB) will soon begin phase I trials in Australia of its IT-Riluzole delivered to the brain via a continuous intrathecal drug delivery method in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The company’s concept is to take known drugs that work and make them better by delivering them exclusively to where patients need them most, BTB co-founder and CEO Chen Benkler told BioWorld.

Brain Trust Bio Inc. (BTB) will soon begin phase I trials in Australia of its IT-Riluzole delivered to the brain via a continuous intrathecal drug delivery method in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The company’s concept is to take known drugs that work and make them better by delivering them exclusively to where patients need them most, BTB co-founder and CEO Chen Benkler told BioWorld.

Mina Therapeutics Ltd. has announced a research collaboration and licensing agreement option with Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd. for the discovery and potential development and commercialization of small activating RNA (RNAa) therapeutic candidates targeting rare neurodegenerative diseases for which there are currently no treatment options.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is recognized worldwide for its debilitating symptoms of declining cognitive function and gradual memory loss. What remains less clear is exactly what causes the neurodegenerative disease, and how to treat it. “Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by two key pathologies – beta-amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles.” Seung-Yong Yoon, CEO of Adel Inc., told BioWorld. “Adel is looking to develop a tau-targeting drug, considering tau has been more correlated with AD symptom progression, and the industry’s need for tau pipelines.”