LA JOLLA, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ:MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today announced the successful completion of patient enrollment in the randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial, the OXTOX study (Oxaliplatin Neurotoxicity study in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer). This study, an investigator-initiated clinical trial led by Dr. Janet ...

Core Viewpoint - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is actively engaging with investors and the healthcare community through participation in the 8th Annual Evercore Healthcare Conference, highlighting its focus on developing innovative therapies for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders [1][2]. Company Overview - ProMIS Neurosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing therapeutic antibodies and vaccines that target toxic oligomers associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ALS, FTD, MSA, and PD [3]. - The company utilizes its proprietary EpiSelect™ target discovery engine to identify Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on misfolded proteins, which are crucial for developing targeted therapies [3]. Product Development - PMN310 is the lead product candidate designed as a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets toxic oligomers while avoiding plaque, potentially reducing the risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) [4]. - PMN310 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA in July 2025, indicating its potential significance in treating Alzheimer's disease [4]. Clinical Trials - Following positive results from the Phase 1a trial, ProMIS initiated the PRECISE-AD Phase 1b clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of PMN310 in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease [5]. - The PRECISE-AD trial is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, focusing on the effects of PMN310 on biomarkers and clinical outcomes associated with Alzheimer's disease [5]. EpiSelect Drug Discovery Engine - The EpiSelect platform enables the identification of conformational epitopes on toxic misfolded proteins, facilitating the development of highly selective therapeutic antibodies and vaccines [6]. - PMN310 has demonstrated high selectivity for toxic amyloid-beta oligomers without significant reactivity with other forms, potentially minimizing adverse effects associated with conventional therapies [6].

Small Cap Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE:ANVS) stock is trading higher on Monday, with a session volume of 12.29 million compared to the average volume of 615.12 thousand as per data from Benzinga Pro.A late-stage clinical drug platform company focused on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, revealed new data demonstrating the impact of amyloid co-pathology on cognitive outcomes in Parkinson’s patients and the therapeutic efficacy of buntanetap.In the Phase 3 study in earl ...

Core Insights - Alector, Inc. is advancing its innovative drug candidates targeting neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on its Alector Brain Carrier (ABC) platform for enhanced delivery of therapeutics to the brain [2][3] Financial Overview - As of September 30, 2025, Alector reported cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaling $291.1 million, which is expected to fund operations through 2027 [15] - Collaboration revenue for Q3 2025 was $3.3 million, a significant decrease from $15.3 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to the completion of performance obligations related to previous programs [9] - Total research and development expenses for Q3 2025 were $29.4 million, down from $48.0 million in Q3 2024, attributed to reduced spending on specific programs and workforce reductions [10] - General and administrative expenses for Q3 2025 were $11.5 million, compared to $15.8 million in Q3 2024, reflecting cost-saving measures [13] - A net loss of $34.7 million was reported for Q3 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $42.2 million in Q3 2024 [14] Drug Development Pipeline - Alector has selected AL137 as the lead candidate for its ABC-enabled anti-amyloid beta antibody in Alzheimer's disease, with an IND filing targeted for 2026 [4] - The company is also advancing AL050, an ABC-enabled GCase enzyme replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease, with an IND submission planned for 2027 [11] - The ABC platform is designed to facilitate the delivery of antibodies, enzymes, and siRNA to the brain, demonstrating robust brain penetration and favorable safety profiles [2][3] Clinical Trials and Collaborations - The PROGRESS-AD Phase 2 clinical trial for nivisnebart (AL101) in early Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, with an independent interim analysis planned for the first half of 2026 [12] - Alector and GSK are collaborating on the development of nivisnebart, which aims to elevate progranulin concentrations in the brain [12][6] - The INFRONT-3 Phase 3 trial for latozinemab did not show clinical benefit, leading to the discontinuation of further studies for this candidate [7] Strategic Focus - Alector has implemented a workforce reduction of approximately 47% to concentrate resources on high-priority programs and extend its cash runway [8] - The company continues to anticipate collaboration revenue between $13 million and $18 million for the year, with total R&D expenses projected between $130 million and $140 million [16]

Core Insights - Annovis Bio, Inc. has fully activated all 84 clinical sites for its pivotal Phase 3 study in early Alzheimer's disease (AD), with patient enrollment and treatment underway [1][2] - The first group of participants has reached the 6-month treatment milestone, keeping the study on track for data readout in the second half of 2026 [1][2] - The Phase 3 trial aims to enroll a total of 760 patients with early AD and biomarker-confirmed amyloid pathology, featuring a dual design for evaluating symptomatic efficacy and potential disease-modifying response [2] Enrollment and Progress - The trial is currently 25% complete, demonstrating strong execution in patient enrollment and progression through the protocol [2][3] - The dedication of the team, site partners, and patient engagement has contributed to the momentum of the trial [3] Company Overview - Annovis is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, focusing on innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and Parkinson's disease (PD) [4] - The company is committed to improving patient outcomes and quality of life through its drug development efforts [4]

Core Insights - Alector, Inc. announced that its Phase 3 INFRONT-3 clinical trial of latozinemab (AL001) for frontotemporal dementia due to a progranulin gene mutation did not meet its primary clinical endpoint, although it showed a significant effect on plasma progranulin biomarker levels [2][3][14] Company Updates - The INFRONT-3 trial was a 96-week, double-blind study that failed to demonstrate clinical benefits in slowing disease progression, leading to the discontinuation of the open-label extension and continuation study for latozinemab [2][3] - Alector's pipeline includes ongoing collaboration with GSK on nivisnebart (AL101/GSK4527226) in a Phase 2 trial for early Alzheimer's disease, with completion expected in 2026 [6] - Alector is advancing multiple preclinical programs, including AL137 for anti-amyloid beta therapy and AL050 for enzyme replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease, with IND submissions targeted for 2026 and 2027 respectively [8][9] - The company is also developing a proprietary blood-brain barrier technology platform, Alector Brain Carrier (ABC), aimed at enhancing therapeutic delivery to the brain [7][17] Leadership and Workforce Changes - Alector is reducing its workforce by approximately 49% to focus resources on high-priority programs [10][11] - Sara Kenkare-Mitra, President and Head of R&D, will resign effective December 22, 2025, after contributing significantly to the company's R&D efforts [12][13] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, Alector reported approximately $291.1 million in cash and equivalents, expected to fund operations through 2027 [13]

Progranulin (PGRN)-Elevating Franchise - Alector's pivotal Phase 3 data readout for Latozinemab (AL001) in FTD-GRN is expected by mid-Q4 2025[13, 65] - The Phase 2 clinical trial for Nivisnebart (AL101/GSK4527226) in Alzheimer's Disease completed enrollment in April 2025[13, 68] - Latozinemab and nivisnebart have demonstrated a 2- to 3-fold increase in PGRN levels in clinical trials[50] - In the INFRONT-2 trial, Latozinemab treatment showed an estimated ~48% slowing of annual disease progression in FTD-GRN participants compared to historical controls, representing a 31-point change[61] Alector Brain Carrier (ABC) Platform - Alector expects to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial with its Alector Brain Carrier in 2026[13, 120] - AL037, an ABC-enabled anti-Aβ antibody, at 3mg/kg reached 38 nM in vessel-containing frontal cortex in NHP, showing an 18x increase compared to the naked antibody[114] - AL137, a second anti-Aβ antibody lead, at 3mg/kg reached 84 nM in vessel-containing frontal cortex in NHP, showing a 32x increase compared to the naked antibody[117] - AL050, an ABC-enabled GCase ERT, demonstrated a 5- to 19-fold enhancement in brain delivery in NHPs[149] - Peripheral delivery of SOD1 siRNA-ABC resulted in 50-80% knockdown across multiple brain structures in mice[171] Financial Resources - Alector has over $300 million in cash, providing a runway into the second half of 2027[13]

Summary of Coya Therapeutics FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Coya Therapeutics (NasdaqCM: COYA) - **Focus**: Development of transformative therapies for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's [2][3] Core Points and Arguments - **Vision and Mission**: Coya aims to make neurodegenerative diseases manageable, shifting the narrative from the disease to the patients' lives [3] - **Scientific Approach**: The company believes that neurodegenerative diseases are primarily neuroinflammatory and that addressing neuroinflammation can halt disease progression [5][6] - **Lead Program**: COIA-302, a combination of low-dose interleukin-2 and CTLA-4, is set to enter a pivotal Phase 2b study involving 120 ALS patients, with the first patient expected to be dosed in Q4 2025 [8][24] - **Clinical Trial Support**: Coya has partnered with the NILS Foundation, the largest ALS consortium, to facilitate faster recruitment for the trial [9] Clinical Data and Outcomes - **Current ALS Treatment Landscape**: Existing therapies show minimal efficacy, with patients declining by approximately 6 points in 6 months on the ALSFRS scale [14] - **Initial Study Results**: In a small investigator-initiated study, Coya observed stabilization or improvement in ALSFRS scores, contrasting with expected declines [16][17] - **Mechanistic Insights**: The combination therapy has shown to maintain Treg function and numbers, which are crucial for managing neuroinflammation [12][18] Future Plans and Partnerships - **Regulatory Pathway**: The primary endpoint for the Phase 2b trial is set for 6 months, with plans to approach the FDA for a BLA filing based on the data [23] - **Commercialization Partnership**: Coya has partnered with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories for the commercialization of COIA-302, which will alleviate some financial burdens associated with bringing the product to market [24][26] - **Funding and Cash Flow**: A $700 million partnership with Dr. Reddy's provides non-dilutive cash flow, enhancing Coya's financial position [26] Additional Indications - **Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)**: Coya plans to file an IND for FTD this year, with a small randomized study expected to start in 2026, supported by a $5 million investment from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation [29] - **COIA-303 Development**: A new product combining COIA-301 with GLP-1 weight loss drugs shows promise in reducing neuroinflammatory markers, with potential applications in Alzheimer's disease [30][31] Key Metrics and Milestones - **Upcoming Milestones**: - Dosing of the first ALS patient in 2025, triggering a $4.2 million payment from Dr. Reddy's [33] - Filing for FTD IND and additional data from ongoing trials expected by the end of 2025 [33] Conclusion - Coya Therapeutics is positioned to make significant advancements in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong scientific foundation, promising early clinical data, and strategic partnerships that enhance its operational and financial capabilities [34]

Core Insights - Athira Pharma, Inc. presented results from its Phase 1 clinical trial of ATH-1105 at the ALS Nexus 2025 conference, focusing on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS [1][3] - ATH-1105 is a novel, orally available small molecule designed to modulate the neurotrophic HGF system, potentially offering new treatment options for ALS [2][3] Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - The Phase 1 trial of ATH-1105 involved 80 healthy volunteers and evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the drug, showing a favorable safety profile and good tolerability [5] - Results indicated dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and CNS penetration, supporting the continued development of ATH-1105 [3][5] Group 2: Company Overview - Athira Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in the Seattle area, focused on developing small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration [6] - The company aims to alter the course of neurological diseases through its pipeline of drug candidates targeting the neurotrophic HGF system [6]

Core Insights - BioVie Inc. is conducting a Phase 2 trial named ADDRESS-LC to evaluate the efficacy of bezisterim for treating Long COVID-related fatigue and cognitive impairment [1][2][10] - Long COVID is recognized as a significant neurological condition affecting approximately 400 million individuals globally, with 6.9% of U.S. adults experiencing it [2] - Bezisterim is an anti-inflammatory agent that targets TLR-driven inflammation, showing promise in treating Long COVID, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease [3][8] Company Overview - BioVie Inc. is a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative drug therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Long COVID [13] - The company’s drug candidate, bezisterim, modulates inflammation and insulin sensitivity, potentially improving clinical outcomes in various neurological conditions [7][13] Trial Design and Funding - The ADDRESS-LC trial is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, fully funded by a $13.13 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense [2][12] - The trial incorporates a unique design informed by patient input, aiming to address the unmet needs of Long COVID patients and enhance signal detection for treatment efficacy [4][5] Bezisterim's Mechanism and Clinical Potential - Bezisterim is designed to inhibit TLR4-induced signaling and inflammatory pathways, making it a candidate for reducing neurocognitive symptoms associated with Long COVID [3][10] - The drug has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in previous clinical trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases [3][9] Key Trial Endpoints - The primary endpoints of the ADDRESS-LC trial include changes in cognitive performance measured by a bespoke Cogstate Cognitive Battery, focusing on symptoms like cognitive impairment and fatigue [5][10]