Lund, Sweden, 2 November 2015 – NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ), the
mitochondrial medicine company, announces the presentation of preclinical data
from its Complex I deficiency discovery program at the 6th World Congress on
Targeting Mitochondria in Berlin, Germany.
NeuroVive’s Complex I Deficiency discovery program, also known as NVP015, is
focused on the generation of novel drug candidates that target mitochondrial
energy regulation in a number of mitochondrial disorders associated with complex
I deficiency such as Leigh Syndrome.
The research presented last week focuses on the role of NeuroVive’s succinate
prodrug candidates in mitochondrial respiration, a key component of
mitochondrial energy production. Using a model of healthy cells and cells from a
Leigh Syndrome patient, the research team demonstrated that succinate prodrug
candidates increased mitochondrial respiration. The research was developed by
NeuroVive’s scientific team, including young PhD researcher Sarah Piel who
presented the findings to leaders in the field of mitochondrial medicine.
“We are delighted with the progress our Complex I Deficiency discovery program
is making,” said Dr. Eskil Elmér, Chief Scientific Officer at NeuroVive “These
findings support our hypothesis that succinate prodrugs are a strong candidate
for the treatment of complex I Deficiency disorders and allow us to take the
next step in candidate development with confidence.”
The next steps in the Complex I Deficiency discovery program involves the
synthesis and scaled up manufacture of the most promising candidates,
pharmacokinetic studies and early formulation and in vivo proof of concept work.
It is anticipated that NeuroVive will select a final drug candidate for further
development in 2016.
“Complex I deficiency disorders are rare and can be fatal as there are no
existing treatments available to patients,” said Jan Nilsson, Chief Executive
Officer. “We believe that our prodrugs may develop into treatments for such
disorders and that the potential orphan drug indications offer a significant
commercial opportunity.”
About NeuroVive’s Complex I Deficiency discovery program
This discovery platform is based on an idea by NeuroVive co-founder Dr. Eskil
Elmér and collaborators to create a cell permeable pro-drug of the endogenous
energy substrate succinate. Successful delivery will make succinate available to
complex II in the respiratory chain supporting production of energy-carrying ATP
molecules in spite of complex I disorders. A successful candidate from this
discovery program directed towards paediatric mitochondrial disorders would be
eligible for orphan drug status.
About Mitochondrial Complex I Disorders
Mitochondrial disease affects at least 1 in 8000 children, usually presenting at
birth or early in life. Complex I deficiency is usually a progressive neuro
-degenerative disorder and is responsible for a variety of clinical symptoms,
particularly in organs and tissues that require high energy levels, such as
brain, heart, liver, and skeletal muscles. Complex I deficiency is caused by
mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear genes coding for the subunits of complex I
and is the most common mitochondrial disorder presenting in childhood,
accounting for up to 30% of cases. These rare disorders include Leber’s
hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic
acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), myoclonus epilepsy with ragged-red
fibers (MERRF) and Leigh Syndrome.
About NeuroVive
NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ) is a leading mitochondrial medicine company
committed to the discovery and development of highly targeted candidates that
preserve mitochondrial integrity and function in areas of therapeutic need.
NeuroVive’s business approach is driven by value-adding partnerships with
leading mitochondrial research institutions and commercial partners across the
globe.
NeuroVive’s portfolio consists of two clinical projects in acute kidney injury
(AKI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) with candidates in clinical and
preclinical development and two drug discovery platforms. The NeuroSTAT® product
is currently being evaluated in a Phase II study in traumatic brain injury.
CicloMulsion® is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase II study, CiPRICS, in acute
kidney injury during major surgery. NeuroVive’s shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX,
Stockholm, Sweden.
For investor relations and media questions in Sweden, please contact:
Johannes Nebel, Laika Consulting, Tel: +46 (0)735 81 71 68 or ir@neurovive.se
For media questions outside Sweden, please contact:
Gemma White, inVentiv Health, Tel: +44 (0)77 13 88 9992 or
gemma.white@inventivhealth.com
It is also possible to arrange an interview with NeuroVive’s CEO Jan Nilsson at
the above contacts.
NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ)
Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)46 275 62 20 (switchboard), Fax: +46 (0)46 888 83 48
info@neurovive.se, www.neurovive.com
NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ) is required to publish the information in
this news release under The Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was
submitted for publication on the 2 November 2015, at 08.30 CET.
