NRG Therapeutics, Ltd., a pioneering neuroscience company taking on mitochondrial dysfunction, is delighted to announce that The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded them a second $500,000 grant to advance their lead drug discovery program and create a potential new therapy for Parkinson’s. This impressive feat has propelled NRG Therapeutics toward their goal of developing revolutionary treatments for neurological disorders.
NRG Therapeutics is revolutionizing the field of mitochondrial biology to create groundbreaking treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Their innovative approach focuses on inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in the brain, which has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in numerous preclinical models of Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. With this cutting-edge strategy, NRG Therapeutics is paving the way for a future of better treatments for Parkinson’s.
This second grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation will enable us to carry out experiments to validate a groundbreaking mitochondrial drug target for Parkinson’s. Our research seeks to determine whether genetic deletion of this mitochondrial protein in vitro and in vivo protects brain cells, and therefore, whether drug modulation of this protein can significantly improve Parkinson’s symptoms. We are aiming to develop drugs that can block the opening of the mPTP, a process that is triggered by high concentrations of calcium ions, resulting in the death of dopamine-producing brain cells. If successful, this could revolutionize the future of Parkinson’s treatment.
Dr Neil Miller, co-founder and CEO of NRG Therapeutics, has expressed his enthusiasm at receiving a second award to fund research into validating a molecular target for their mPTP inhibitors. This research has the potential to provide a much needed breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, as current treatments only control symptoms and do not halt or slow disease progression. Miller hopes their work will lead to new treatments that can drastically improve the lives of individuals with neurodegenerative disorders and bring us closer to the “holy grail” of disease-modifying treatments.
Cyclosporin A, a classical ‘first-generation’ inhibitor of the mPTP, is known to inhibit cyclophilin D (CypD), the protein believed to regulate the pore. Despite numerous attempts, it has not been possible to develop CypD inhibitors that can cross the blood-brain barrier, leaving researchers with an unsolved challenge.
NRG has uncovered groundbreaking ‘second-generation’ mPTP inhibitors that are small, drug-like molecules that can be taken orally and reach the brain, offering tremendous potential for treating chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Our leading compounds were identified through phenotypic screening in isolated mitochondria and work independently of CypD.
At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, our mission is to deliver life-changing treatments to those affected by Parkinson’s disease. We are proud to extend our support with a second grant to NRG, in our effort to fulfill the unmet needs of those living with Parkinson’s. With this funding, we are closer to achieving our shared goal of providing hope and relief to those in need.
About NRG Therapeutics
At NRG Therapeutics, we are dedicated to discovering and developing drugs that can modify the progression of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and ALS. Our innovative approach to neuroscience brings hope to those affected by these devastating conditions, as we strive to create treatments that can slow or halt the progression of these diseases and improve quality of life.
Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) inhibition has emerged as a promising approach to protect neurons, reduce neuroinflammation and extend survival in pre-clinical disease models. Our pre-clinical pipeline of small molecule assets is designed to inhibit the mPTP through a novel mechanism of action, offering a potential new way to treat neurological diseases and disorders.
NRG Therapeutics is a private company based at the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) in the UK, with equity investment from Parkinson’s UK, Omega Funds, and Brandon Capital. The company has also received grant funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Innovate UK (Biomedical Catalyst Award), and is the industrial partner for a FightMND Drug Discovery grant awarded to the renowned Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. NRG Therapeutics is dedicated to creating innovative solutions to tackle the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges.