Alterity Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, has presented promising data on its drug candidate, ATH434, at the Society for Neuroscience conference. The poster presentation highlighted the potential of ATH434 as a breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.
The data presented in the poster, titled Potent Antioxidant and Mitochondrial-protectant Effects of ATH434, demonstrated that ATH434 can protect mitochondrial function and exhibit direct anti-oxidant activity. These effects were not observed with another iron-binding agent that was also studied. Dr. Daniel J. Kosman, a Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry, conducted the study at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
David Stamler, the CEO of Alterity, expressed his excitement about the new findings, stating that they validate the potential of ATH434 as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. He also highlighted the drug’s ability to reduce labile iron and its demonstrated ability to protect mitochondria, which may contribute to slowing disease progression.
The study, authored by Dr. Danielle Bailey, investigated ATH434’s efficacy as a mitochondrial protectant using a neuronal cell line. In-solution assays revealed the drug’s direct antioxidant capacity. The poster presentation can be accessed on Alterity’s website for those interested in reviewing the detailed mechanisms underlying ATH434’s therapeutic effects.
ATH434 is Alterity’s lead candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. As an oral agent, it is designed to inhibit the aggregation of pathological proteins associated with these diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that ATH434 can reduce α-synuclein pathology and preserve neuronal function by restoring normal iron balance in the brain. The drug has completed Phase 1 studies, demonstrating its safety and efficacy in animal models of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a Parkinsonian disorder. Currently, ATH434 is being evaluated in two clinical trials: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in patients with early-stage MSA, and an open-label Phase 2 biomarker trial in patients with more advanced MSA. It has been granted Orphan drug designation for the treatment of MSA by the U.S. FDA and the European Commission.
Alterity Therapeutics is dedicated to developing disease-modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, and San Francisco, USA, the company is focused on creating a better future for individuals living with these debilitating conditions. In addition to ATH434, Alterity has a broad drug discovery platform that generates patentable chemical compounds targeting the underlying pathology of neurological diseases.
The promising data presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference serves as an important milestone for Alterity Therapeutics in their mission to combat neurodegenerative diseases. The potential breakthrough offered by ATH434 in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and related disorders brings hope to patients and suggests a new direction in the field of therapeutic development.
