Neuroregenerative peptide treatment for multiple sclerosis

Introduction

REGENERA MS will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of a novel peptide as a superior treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Successful commercialization of our peptide could reduce the socioeconomic burden of MS, provide an early-therapy option to delay disease progression, and thus extend and improve patients’ lives, with potential effectiveness in related neurodegenerative diseases.

Background

MS is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurological disease without a cure, affecting the lives of 1.2M Europeans and causing significant economic costs to patients and society. Currently, there is no cure for MS. Approved disease-modifying treatments such as IFN-β1, glatiramer acetate, and alemtuzumab are clinically effective but come with high costs, significant side effects, and intrusive administration.

Thus, a medical unmet need remains for novel MS therapies that can:

• Halt progression
• Promote myelin repair
• Limit complications

Proposed Solution

To improve on the current therapeutic regimen, we propose a next-generation neurotrophic factor (NTF) therapy that has curative potential by halting MS progression and regenerating demyelinated tissue. My group has discovered a novel peptide with neurotrophic properties that, in contrast to classical NTFs:

1. Has neurorestorative effects and can enhance remyelination
2. Penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB)
3. Can be subcutaneously administered
4. Can be inexpensively produced

Research Plan

In REGENERA MS, we will evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and efficacy of a novel therapeutic peptide in:

• Organotypic brain cultures
• Human induced oligodendrocyte-like pluripotent stem cell-derived cells
• MS animal models

Commercial Strategy

Subsequently, we will:

• Verify the IP position and strategy
• Perform an in-depth market and competitor analysis
• Consolidate these findings into a business case to establish the best path to commercialization.