Neurodegeneration-focused biotech CuraSen Therapeutics has secured a strategic investment of up to $5.8 million from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) to advance its Alzheimer’s drug candidate CST-3056.

CuraSen is developing small molecule therapies for various neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The company designs drugs that activate specific receptor populations in the brain, compensating for essential neuronal and glial functions that have been compromised by degeneration.

CST-3056, an α1A-AR agonist, is now in the preclinical development stage, with a specific focus on addressing the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease. CuraSen plans to commence non-clinical studies in early 2024, paving the way for Phase 1 clinical trials later that year.

“We are thrilled to receive this investment from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation which will be used to advance CST-3056, our proprietary α1A-AR agonist program, from preclinical development to completion of Phase 1 studies,” said Dr Anthony Ford, CEO of CuraSen. “Coupled with our two other Phase 2 clinical-stage programs in neurodegenerative diseases, CST-2032 and CST-103, CuraSen is well-positioned to deliver critically needed neurodegenerative disease treatment options to the millions of patients and caregivers in need.”

ADDF operates as a unique public charity exclusively dedicated to funding drug development for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Alzheimer’s disease, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research. The foundation has awarded more than $270 million in funding to support hundreds of Alzheimer’s drug discovery programs, biomarker initiatives, and clinical trials in 19 different countries.

“Alpha-1A adrenoceptors are known to help regulate neurotransmission and are prevalent in the areas of the brain important to memory and learning, making them a promising target for Alzheimer’s drug development by offering potential neuroprotective benefits,” said Dr Howard Fillit of ADDF. “Novel approaches, such as the one CuraSen is pursuing, are critical as we develop the next class of Alzheimer’s therapeutics that will move us closer to treating Alzheimer’s through combination therapy and precision medicine.”

In addition to CST-3056, Curasen is also assessing the potential of selective β2-AR agonists CST-103 and CST-2032, in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s respectively. The compounds are being investigated in combination with CST-107, a β-AR blocker, in Phase 2 clinical studies.