Argenica is developing a cell penetrating, amino acid-rich peptide (ARG-007) that can offer protection to the brain following stroke and other acute CNS injuries, such as TBI. The company says that its initial focus will be on the use of ARG-007 in the treatment of stroke but that TBI is another target market. ARG-007 will be intravenously delivered.
It is believed that ARG-007 may affect the endocytotic processes of the cell; affect the function of cell surface receptors to result in reduced cellular calcium influx; interact with and/or stabilise the outer mitochondrial membrane to preserve mitochondrial function; or inhibit, downregulate, or affect the calcium-dependent pro-protein convertase enzyme furin.
ARG-007 was developed at UWA and Argenica collaborates with UWA.
Proceeds from Argenica’s IPO are intended to fund completion of pre-clinical activities, a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 trial. A CRO has been contracted for Phase 1 but no timeline has yet been provided.
Nyrada’s lead brain injury program compound (NYX-1010) has been developed to date as a treatment for secondary brain injury (excitotoxicity) following both stroke and moderate to severe TBI. NYX-1010 works by blocking calcium ion build-up in cells, which is a key driver of secondary brain injury. NYX-1010 for use in either stroke or moderate to severe TBI is likely to be intravenously delivered.
Looking towards clinical development, TBI is likely to win out as Nyrada’s lead indication, imo, because of the involvement of the US Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Nyrada's CEO, James Bonnar, worked at Neuren (NEU) from 2006 to 2018. Neuren’s development of NNZ-2566 in TBI was co-developed with and funded by the US Army’s Walter Reed Institute of Research between 2004 and 2016 (pre-clinical to end of Phase 2).
Nyrada collaborates with UNSW.
Nyrada is aiming to commence a Phase 1 study in mid-2022.
Because they are both massive markets with high unmet need, stroke and TBI are very competitive areas of global research. Expect clinical trials in either indication to be large, long and expensive.
To date, over 500 products have been investigated for neuroprotective effects and ClinicalTrials.gov lists over 1300 current and past trials related to TBI and 6,000+ to stroke.
https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/ann-prospectus.6103376/?post_id=53748296#.YMGmqPlLiUkUS20160250285 NEUROPROTECTIVE PEPTIDES (wipo.int)https://worldwide.espacenet.com/pub...D=&date=20210602&DB=&locale=en_EPhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/resu...erm=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/resu...erm=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=
