Mitochondrial dysfunction
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How persistent pathogens could accelerate the aging process | Amy Proal | TEDxBoston
TEDx Talks· 2025-11-21 17:02
Core Argument - The prevailing aging models inadequately address the role of persistent pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites) as a significant driver of human aging and healthspan reduction [1] - Persistent pathogens can embed themselves in tissues and nerves, potentially driving various health problems later in life [2][3][4] - These pathogens can actively distort the signaling of human genes, impacting multiple hallmarks of aging [8] Pathogen Prevalence and Impact - Approximately 95% of individuals harbor one or more strains of herpes virus [5] - Around 11% of people in the US and up to 87% in some global regions carry the chronic parasite toxoplasma [6] - Persistent SARS-CoV-2 virus has been found in tissue samples months or years after initial infection [7] - Pathogens can drive mitochondrial dysfunction by hijacking host cell metabolism [10][11][12] - Viruses can integrate into telomeres, leading to shorter and more unstable telomeres [13][14] - Viral proteins can interact with and distort the signaling of human aging pathways [15] Proposed Solutions and Recommendations - The industry needs to seriously consider the impact of persistent pathogens when developing healthspan extending interventions [17] - Curbing the activity of pathogens should precede interventions like gene editing [18] - Integrating existing antiviral and anti-parasite medications into healthspan protocols is recommended [18] - Individuals with herpes simplex virus who regularly took anti-herpes virus medications had a 10 times lower risk of developing dementia [19] - Investment in new diagnostic test platforms to identify persistent pathogens is crucial [20][21] - Incorporating the activity of persistent pathogens into aging models is essential for successfully extending healthspan [22]
Jupiter Neurosciences Receives FDA Clearance of IND Application to Initiate Phase 2a Clinical Trial of JOTROL™ in Parkinson’s Disease
Globenewswire· 2025-11-05 13:30
Core Insights - Jupiter Neurosciences, Inc. has received FDA clearance for its Investigational New Drug application to initiate a Phase 2a clinical trial of JOTROL for Parkinson's disease [1][2][3] - The Phase 2a trial aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of JOTROL, with additional endpoints to assess pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics [2][3] - JOTROL has shown strong safety and bioavailability in Phase I studies, with preclinical evidence suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits [3][4] Company Overview - Jupiter Neurosciences is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on neuroinflammation and healthy aging, with a therapeutic pipeline targeting CNS disorders and rare diseases [6] - The company is advancing JOTROL, a proprietary resveratrol formulation, which has demonstrated over nine-fold higher bioavailability compared to traditional resveratrol [4][8] - Jupiter is also expanding into the consumer longevity market with its Nugevia product line, which leverages the same delivery technology as JOTROL [6][9] Market Context - Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million people globally, with no current disease-modifying treatments available, highlighting a significant unmet medical need [5] - The global market for Parkinson's therapeutics is projected to exceed $14 billion by 2030, indicating a strong demand for innovative treatments [5]
Stealth BioTherapeutics Announces FDA Accelerated Approval of FORZINITY™ (elamipretide HCl), the First Therapy for Progressive and Life-limiting Ultra-rare Genetic Disease Barth Syndrome
Prnewswire· 2025-09-20 00:07
Core Insights - Stealth BioTherapeutics Inc. has received accelerated approval from the FDA for FORZINITY (elamipretide HCl) to improve muscle strength in patients with Barth syndrome weighing at least 30 kg, marking it as the first treatment option for this ultra-rare disease [1][2][10] Group 1: Approval Details - FORZINITY is indicated for improving muscle strength in adult and pediatric patients with Barth syndrome who weigh at least 30 kg, based on data from the TAZPOWER clinical trial [7][10] - The approval is contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial, and the most common adverse reactions reported were injection site reactions [2][7] Group 2: Patient Access and Future Plans - The company plans to provide expanded access to children weighing less than 30 kg who are currently receiving treatment or require emergency access while working with the FDA to gather additional data for potential label expansion [2][5] - Stealth is committed to ensuring uninterrupted access for all current patients and plans to work with payers and providers to facilitate timely access to FORZINITY, which is expected to be available for prescriptions in the U.S. by year-end [6][10] Group 3: Community Impact - The approval is seen as a significant victory for the Barth syndrome community, providing hope for expedited regulatory attention to other ultra-rare diseases [2][3] - The Barth Syndrome Foundation has expressed gratitude for the approval, emphasizing the need for broader access to the treatment for younger patients who are currently ineligible due to weight restrictions [4][10] Group 4: Company Background - Stealth BioTherapeutics focuses on developing therapies for diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction and is also studying elamipretide for other indications, including dry age-related macular degeneration and primary mitochondrial myopathy [10]
STEALTH BIOTHERAPEUTICS RESUBMITS NEW DRUG APPLICATION FOR ELAMIPRETIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF BARTH SYNDROME
Prnewswire· 2025-08-18 12:00
Core Insights - Stealth BioTherapeutics has resubmitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for elamipretide to treat Barth syndrome, addressing previous FDA concerns regarding manufacturing and safety [1][2][3] - The FDA's May 2025 complete response indicated the need for resubmission without new clinical efficacy data, but with a minor safety update and confirmation of resolved manufacturing deficiencies [1][4] - Elamipretide has shown significant improvement in knee extensor muscle strength (>45%) in the TAZPOWER Phase 2 trial, correlating with clinical benefits measured by the six-minute walk test [2][4] Company Overview - Stealth BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction, with elamipretide as its lead candidate [7] - The company is also developing elamipretide for other conditions such as primary mitochondrial myopathy and dry age-related macular degeneration [5][7] - The company has a pipeline of novel compounds targeting rare neurological and cardiac diseases, following promising preclinical results [7] Barth Syndrome Insights - Barth syndrome is an ultra-rare genetic condition affecting approximately one in 1,000,000 males, characterized by severe symptoms including muscle weakness and heart failure [6] - There are currently no FDA- or EMA-approved therapies for Barth syndrome, highlighting the unmet medical need [6] - Elamipretide has received Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and Rare Pediatric Designation from the FDA, indicating its potential significance in treating this condition [6]
Apogee Therapeutics Inc (APGE) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-05-13 21:40
Summary of Conference Call for Apogee Therapeutics Inc (APGE) and Amelix Apogee Therapeutics Inc (APGE) Industry and Company Overview - Focus on developing treatments for atopic dermatitis, asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) with a pipeline that includes phase two trials for multiple indications [1][2][4] Core Points and Arguments - **Atopic Dermatitis Trials**: Aiming for a six-month endpoint with reduced dosing frequency, targeting a market similar to psoriasis [1][4] - **Head-to-Head Trials**: Plans to launch a trial against Dupixent, with results expected next year [2][6] - **Market Dynamics**: The atopic dermatitis market is described as "white space," with Dupixent being the primary competitor [4][14] - **Dosing Innovations**: Emphasis on improving dosing frequency to every three months or better, which is expected to enhance efficacy [5][6][12] - **Efficacy Measures**: Data indicates deep and sustained inhibition of type two inflammation, suggesting potential for longer dosing intervals [7][8] - **Market Potential**: The atopic dermatitis market could reach $50 billion, with significant patient preference for less frequent dosing [14][15] Additional Important Content - **Patient Feedback**: Over 80% of surveyed patients preferred a drug with less frequent dosing compared to Dupixent [14] - **Financial Position**: The company has a strong balance sheet with over $680 million, providing a runway into Q1 2028 [17] Amelix Industry and Company Overview - Focus on developing treatments for rare diseases, including post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) and Wolfram syndrome, with a pipeline that includes Avexatide [19][20] Core Points and Arguments - **Lead Asset - Avexatide**: A GLP-1 receptor antagonist with breakthrough therapy designation for PBH, currently in phase three trials [20][36] - **Clinical Data**: Phase two trials showed significant reductions in hypoglycemic events, with a 53% reduction in level two and a 66% reduction in level three events [38][40] - **Unmet Need**: Approximately 160,000 people in the U.S. suffer from PBH, with no approved treatments available [37][42] Additional Important Content - **Wolfram Syndrome**: Positive phase two data showing stabilization or improvement in C peptide levels, indicating better beta cell function [28][31] - **FDA Discussions**: Ongoing discussions with the FDA regarding trial design and endpoints for potential approval [30][40] - **Patient Experience**: High patient satisfaction reported, with most rating the treatment highly due to improvements in energy and reduction of hypoglycemic events [44] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the strategic focus, clinical developments, and market potential for both Apogee Therapeutics and Amelix.