Pioneering Neuroprotective Results Achieved in Parkinson’s Disease Preclinical Studies
A team of scientists at Longevity Biotech, Inc. (http://www.longevitybiotech.com) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has demonstrated that neuroprotection could be attained in preclinical models by a novel drug candidate that changes immune responses, LBT-3627.
The results, recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience, describe the prevention of nerve cell damage in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Notably, the drug protected nerve cells that produce dopamine, which is the chemical responsible for agility and movement that is lost in human disease.
“The results are exciting as they provide a bridge between the immune system and nerve cell protection in Parkinson’s disease,” said Scott Shandler, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Longevity Biotech.
LBT-3627 is similar to the naturally occurring vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a well-established anti-inflammatory peptide with beneficial effects across a variety of disorders. VIP is rapidly degraded by the body and is unable to distinguish between its two naturally intended receptors (VPAC1 vs. VPAC2). These limitations have stymied prior translational success using VIP.
In contrast, LBT-3627 specifically targets VPAC2 and demonstrates impressive biological durability. In addition, LBT-3627 has the potential to be administered orally, Dr. Shandler said, which would further improve its clinical prospects and make it more accessible for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Preclinical studies performed by the UNMC team demonstrated that LBT-3627 could achieve up to 80 percent protection of dopamine-producing nerve cells in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, the immune transformation also affected primary scavenger cells called microglia cells that were found ultimately responsible for the neuroprotective activities observed that halted brain damage.
Dr. Shandler said Longevity Biotech is currently progressing LBT-3627 through preclinical development and hopes to begin a Phase I clinical trial in humans by 2017.