Therini initiates first-in-human dosing in Phase 1 trial of fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease.
Therini Bio, a San Francisco-based biotech focused on developing fibrin-targeted therapies for inflammatory neurodegenerative and retinal diseases, has achieved a significant milestone by commencing the first-in-human dosing for THN391, its lead asset aimed at treating Alzheimer’s disease.
This Phase 1 trial holds significant promise in the quest to find an effective treatment for this debilitating condition. As Therini Bio enters this new phase of growth, it has also announced the appointment of industry veteran Frank D Lee as Executive Chairperson of the Board.
Longevity.Technology: Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, affects millions of people worldwide, placing a substantial burden on individuals, families and healthcare systems. Despite extensive research efforts, and recent trial successes, the development of effective treatments for Alzheimer’s still remains elusive. The urgent need for successful therapies stems from the increasing prevalence of the disease and its profound impact on cognitive function, quality of life and overall healthcare costs. The lack of resounding success in finding a definitive treatment can partly be laid at the door of Alzheimer’s complex nature which warrants innovative approaches to tackle the underlying mechanisms driving its progression.
With Therini Bio’s recent successful $36 million series A finance round and the support of investors, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Therini Bio’s Phase 1 trial marks another step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. THN391, the fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate at the forefront of the trial, specifically binds to the inflammation-driving component of fibrin – a key factor implicated in the pathological immune responses observed in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Importantly, preclinical studies have indicated that targeting this region does not compromise fibrin’s essential role in blood clotting and coagulation, ensuring the safety and viability of this novel therapeutic approach.
The initiation of first-in-human dosing for THN391 reflects Therini Bio’s commitment to addressing the significant unmet medical needs of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. By targeting toxic fibrin accumulation, Therini Bio aims to disrupt the underlying inflammatory processes that contribute to disease progression. The trial’s primary objectives include evaluating the safety and proof of mechanism of THN391, providing crucial insights into its potential efficacy and paving the way for subsequent clinical development. Key safety and proof of mechanism clinical data is expected by the end of 2024.
“Initiating first-in-human dosing for THN391 is a significant milestone and we’re excited about the approach that Therini Bio is taking towards treating Alzheimer’s disease and other inflammatory neurodegenerative and retinal diseases. As an early investor in Therini, we look forward to continue supporting the Company’s mission of developing potential first-in-class therapies targeting toxic fibrin accumulation for areas of significant unmet patient need,” said Laurence Barker, Partner, Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF) [1].
The role of fibrin in Alzheimer’s disease is an emerging area of research that holds promise for novel therapeutic interventions. Fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting, has been found to accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, particularly around amyloid plaques and blood vessels. This fibrin accumulation triggers a cascade of inflammatory responses, contributing to neuronal damage and cognitive decline. While amyloid has been a primary target of drug trials in the past, recent successes in amyloid-targeting therapies have been limited. This is where Therini Bio hopes its focus on fibrin will set its research apart.
By specifically targeting fibrin, Therini Bio aims to disrupt the inflammatory processes and immune responses associated with fibrin accumulation, offering a fresh approach to tackling Alzheimer’s disease. This shift in target reflects the growing recognition of the multifaceted nature of the disease and the need to address not only amyloid but also other key contributors such as fibrin to achieve more comprehensive and effective treatments for Alzheimer’s.
“We are thrilled to announce the initiation of first-in-human dosing for THN391, our fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease. This is a major milestone for the Company, and as part of our continued growth, we are excited to welcome Frank as Executive Chairperson of the Board at Therini Bio. Frank’s extensive experience in product development and commercial leadership will be invaluable as we enter this new era as a clinical-stage company,” said Michael Quigley, PhD, President and CEO of Therini Bio [1].
“I am honored to be joining Therini Bio as Executive Chairperson of the Board, as the Company advances its first clinical candidate THN391 as a fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Frank D Lee, Executive Chairperson of the Board, Therini Bio. “I look forward to working alongside the Therini Bio team to help advance this candidate and its pipeline of fibrin-targeted therapeutic candidates. Therini Bio has assembled a talented group of experienced pharma and biotech veterans with a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes, and I am thrilled to be a part of this effort [1].”
