LONDON – Mission Therapeutics Ltd. has honed down a collection of 100-odd deubiquitylating (DUB) enzymes, to identify two that degrade misfolded proteins in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, triggering a $20 million milestone from partner Abbvie Inc.
Although 14 of the 17 stocks that make up BioWorld’s Neurological Disease Index (NDI) dropped in value over the last month, the index is still ahead by about 9% this year, with a huge surge by Prothena Corp. plc leading the way.
Fresh off licensing a potential Parkinson’s disease therapy last month, Ipsen SA is again looking to build out its neurodegenerative disease portfolio, this time in Huntington’s disease and Angelman syndrome. An exclusive options deal with Exicure Inc. could bring it two new spherical nucleic acid (SNA) programs for the indications while delivering up to $1 billion for Exicure, plus potential royalties, on top of a $20 million up-front payment. The deal, Exicure's second major SNA collaboration after a hair-loss disorders deal with Abbvie Inc.’s Allergan, sent Exicure shares (NASDAQ:XCUR) up 34.1% to $1.81 on Aug. 2.
Annovis Bio Inc. presented new clinical efficacy and biomarker data from two phase II studies of its lead candidate, ANVS-401 (posiphen), at the 2021 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) that saw the stock sink soon afterward. The Berwyn, Pa.-based company’s shares (NYSE:ANVS) took a powerful hit as shares had plunged a dramatic 60% to close at $43.50 each on July 29.
In a deal that could be worth up to $565 million, Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. licensed in glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor varoglutamstat (PQ-912) and monoclonal N3pE-antibody PBD-C06, which target the neurotoxic amyloid species N3pE (pGlu-Abeta), from Vivoryon Therapeutics AG to develop and commercialize for Alzheimer’s disease in greater China.
As amyotrophic lateral sclerosis continues to make headlines, candidates bearing varied approaches proliferate and the indication likely allows for multiple players, given the prospect of a combo regimen.
Amid a mix of controversy and clinical progress, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2021 kicked off July 26 in Denver and online, delivering both new clinical data and insights into a key form of dementia affecting as many as 35 million people worldwide and growing. While interest in Biogen Inc.'s recently approved Aduhelm (aducanumab) remained high, new data on investigational therapies from Synaptogenix Inc. and Inmune Bio Inc. also drew attention, weighing on shares of both companies. New epidemiological research also revealed the first evidence that reducing air pollution may improve cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
Alzamend Neuro Inc.’s positive preclinical data for AL-002 sent the company’s stock (NADAQ:ALZN) more than 70% higher before the market opened July 23. The Tampa, Fla.-based biopharma is researching a mutant-peptide sensitized cell for treating Alzheimer’s disease. The positive data came from a GLP toxicology study using a transgenic mouse model.
DUBLIN – Coave Therapeutics unveiled a new identity and a new gene therapy platform, as it closed a €21.2 million (US$25 million) extension to its long-running series B round, which takes the total raise to €33 million.
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s oversubscribed, $135 million series C financing led by Viking Global Investors will help lay the groundwork for commercializing in Canada and Europe, as well as for a second phase III study in the U.S. with lead candidate AMX-0035 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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