Athira Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHA) recently unveiled promising preclinical data on fosgonimeton, a potential breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. The late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company presented its findings at the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Annual Meeting 2023 in Washington, D.C.

Fosgonimeton, a unique small molecule, acts as a brain-penetrant positive modulator of the neurotrophic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system, crucial for maintaining neuronal health and impeding neurodegeneration. Kevin Church, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Athira Pharma, highlighted the consistent neuroprotective effects of fosgonimeton and the mechanisms by which it safeguards neurons and diminishes neuroinflammation.

In laboratory studies, fosgonimeton demonstrated neuroprotective properties by shielding neurons from toxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) and reducing tau phosphorylation. In an in vivo model replicating Aβ-induced AD, fosgonimeton not only enhanced cognitive performance but also mitigated hippocampal neuron loss. These findings support the company's strategy of targeting the neurotrophic HGF system to address AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Athira Pharma, presented the outcomes in an oral presentation titled "Fosgonimeton, a Small-Molecule Positive Modulator of the Neurotrophic HGF System, Protects Against Amyloid beta-induced Pathological Alterations in Alzheimer’s Disease Models In Vitro and In Vivo." The data showcased fosgonimeton's neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity in Aβ models of AD, emphasizing its potential in preserving neurons and promoting adult neurogenesis.

Athira Pharma, presented a poster titled "Fosgonimeton, a small-molecule positive modulator of the neurotrophic hepatocyte growth factor system, inhibits LPS-mediated neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia." This research delved into the cellular mechanisms by which fosgonimeton induces anti-inflammatory effects in microglia cells, suggesting its potential to alleviate neuroinflammation, a pivotal factor in various neurodegenerative diseases.

Fosgonimeton is designed to enhance the activity of the neurotrophic HGF signaling system, an endogenous repair mechanism for a healthy nervous system. With disease-modifying potential, fosgonimeton aims to address a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Dementia with Lewy bodies.

 

Source: globenewswire.com

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