NRG Therapeutics
Summary
Charity invests \xa31 million to develop a treatment to slow down progression of ParkinsonsCharity Parkinsons UK is partnering with NRG Therapeutics Ltd to discover and develop a potential drug that could safeguard dopamine cells that are damaged by Parkinsons and slow down the progression of the condition.Building on recent discoveries that show a direct link between mitochondrial dysfunction and the loss of dopamine cells, Parkinsons UK will invest up to \xa31 million in NRG Therapeutics to develop and translate this pioneering research into a potential therapeutic.Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells and help manage large amounts of calcium ions that continually flow into the cell when it is active, which can become toxic if not removed.When mitochondria become overloaded with calcium and stop producing energy effectively, a pore in the mitochondria known as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore - is opened. This starts the process of cell death, leading to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.The initial investment in NRG Therapeutics from Parkinsons UK will support the identification of novel, small, molecules that are likely to enter the brain and protect the mitochondria within dopamine-producing cells.If successful, these molecules will be tested in pre-clinical models of Parkinsons disease before progressing into small-scale human clinical trials to investigate their safety and potential benefits as a treatment.Dr Arthur Roach, Director of Research at Parkinsons UK, who recently joined NRG Therapeutics as Non-Executive Director, said:We all know there is a tremendous need to find better treatments for Parkinsons that can slow down the progression of the condition. This pioneering research could be the first step towards identifying molecules that can protect mitochondria within dopamine-producing cells. I look forward to working with them as we strive to reach our goal of bringing forward better treatments and finding a cure for Parkinsons.NRG Therapeutics is committed to delivering new treatments for people affected by devastating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons and are delighted to have received this seed investment from Parkinsons UKs Virtual Biotech programme.We welcome this endorsement of our scientific strategy and look forward to partnering with Parkinsons UK in developing first-in-class molecules for the disease-modifying treatment of Parkinsons.Parkinsons UK is the largest charitable funder of Parkinsons research in Europe.The aim of its Virtual Biotech programme, of which its partnership with NRG Therapeutics Ltd is a part, is to fast-track the most promising treatments with the potential to transform life for people with Parkinsons.Parkinsons UK is looking for partners to help it create a portfolio of projects that can attract further investment and take successful projects into the later stages of drug development and trials. For more information visit: www.parkinsonsvirtualbiotech.co.ukFor more information, please contact Anita Salhotra, Senior Media and PR Officer at Parkinsons UK, on 020 7932 1361 or email asalhotra@parkinsons.org.ukOut of hours please call 07961 460 248 or email pr@parkinsons.org.uk