▶ Introducing Precision Medicine Efficacy Evaluation Technology for Dementia Treatments Based on Companion Diagnostic Technology
[Seoul, Korea / Cambridge, MA, USA – May 1, 2024] Hudson Therapeutics, Inc. announced that Shaperon, Inc. (Kosdaq: 378800), a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative immunology and immuno-oncology drugs, will participate in the "Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC 2024) to present preclinical results of its next-generation dementia treatment, “NuCerin,” which is under development.
Additionally, they will unveil precision medicine efficacy evaluation technology for treatments based on new dementia companion diagnostic techniques utilizing blood biomarkers.
AAIC is the largest global conference on Alzheimer's and dementia research, scheduled to be held in Philadelphia, USA, from July 28 to August 1. This international academic conference serves as a platform for researchers, clinicians, and dementia experts worldwide to share the latest research results and understand trends in new drug development.
NuCerin is an Alzheimer's treatment developed by Shaperon. It works by regulating the "GPCR19-P2X7" mechanism to block the activation of the "NLRP3" inflammasome, thereby inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α) triggered by accumulated amyloid-beta in the brain. This prevention of neuronal cell death helps preserve cognitive function. NuCerin can control both the early and active stages of brain inflammation in dementia, preventing neuronal cell death caused by complex and diverse inflammatory pathways, thereby preserving memory function.
Shaperon confirmed significant improvement in cognitive function through behavioral tests of memory and cognition after orally administering NuCerin in an Alzheimer's mouse model. Researchers plan to present findings that show NuCerin activates the phagocytosis of microglia, the brain's immune cells, reducing neuroinflammation by inhibiting the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, which are a cause of dementia.
In preclinical trials, Shaperon also successfully identified companion diagnostic biomarkers through proteomic analysis of blood, allowing predictive evaluation of NuCerin's efficacy. They are currently researching whether these biomarkers can be used for companion diagnosis in dementia patients to evaluate NuCerin's efficacy. Furthermore, Shaperon found that these biomarkers increase in many Alzheimer's patients compared to normal individuals, indicating that preclinical results could be replicated in dementia patients, and these findings will be included in the presentation.
Dr. Seung-Yong Seong, CEO of Shaperon, stated, "Using blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's diagnosis is emerging as a global trend, replacing expensive positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid tests." He added, "The biomarkers discovered by Shaperon can be applied not only to dementia diagnosis but also to companion diagnostics for predicting the efficacy of treatments, making it a key technology for advancing the treatment of dementia, a representative intractable disease." He continued, "NuCerin is currently undergoing phase 1 clinical trials in Korea, and we are actively considering applying blood biomarkers starting from phase 2 clinical trials." He emphasized, "We will strive to accelerate tangible outcomes, such as joint research and technology transfers based on next-generation dementia treatment key technologies, through close networking with global pharmaceutical companies at this conference."
Janice Marie McCourt, CEO of Hudson Therapeutics, commented, "Shaperon's participation in the AAIC underscores our shared commitment to advancing the field of dementia treatment. The innovative approach of using blood biomarkers not only holds promise for more accurate diagnoses but also paves the way for personalized treatment options. We are excited to collaborate with Shaperon and support their efforts to bring these groundbreaking technologies to patients worldwide."