Dedicated to reversing the permanence of neurological damage
Neurological damage and disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and to date, science has been unable to find an answer to reversing the permanence of nerve loss or damage in the brain.
We’re driven by the idea that dedication, science, and a patient-first approach can change the way we treat neurological disorders. We’re currently developing therapies to achieve this goal so that people can get back to living healthy, full lives.
Our approach
While nerves can effectively repair in most areas of our bodies, they fail to do so in the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system (CNS). This is due in part to molecules in the CNS that inhibit normal nerve regeneration.
Within the brain, the lipoprotein receptor family plays an important role in health and disease. One lipoprotein—LRP1—has been shown to be an important factor in stopping normal nerve regeneration in the CNS. Our unique approach to nerve repair works by targeting LRP1 to block signals that restrict regeneration of neural tissue.
SPINAL CORD INJURY (SCI)
Nerves damaged after a spinal cord injury attempt to regenerate, but are blocked from doing so by inhibitory molecules at the site of damage. We’ve developed a molecule that shuts down the signals that confuse neurons and suppress regeneration.
In animal models of injury, our approach promotes the growth of nerve cells and leads to significant recovery of motor function. We’re currently working to explore the therapeutic potential of our molecule and inform preclinical studies to set our drug up for success in clinical trials.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the protective coating on nerves called myelin. Once the myelin is removed, nerves become dysfunctional and eventually die. While therapies today can reduce the number and severity of MS attacks, no treatment exists to repair damage after an attack has occurred.
Repairing myelin—a process called remyelination—is our best chance for reversing the effects of MS. Our technology has shown promise in promoting myelin repair in MS lesions and we’re now working to optimize the administration and dosing.
ALZHEIMER’S & TAUOPATHIES
Tau is a naturally occurring protein in the brain. When too much is produced or altered, it can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). One of the hallmarks of tauopathies is the spread of tau from parts of the brain with abnormal production to other brain regions.
Research into the causes of and effective treatments for tauopathies and Alzheimer’s has been ongoing for decades, with frustratingly few results. Recently, research has shown that LRP1 is a critical factor in the spread of tau. We’re currently working to develop molecules that stop the spread of tau in the brain.