On 2 October, Athira Pharma announced the completion of their Phase 1b clinical trial of NDX-1017, a novel small-molecule therapeutic designed to enhance the activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Preclinical studies of NDX-1017 showed that the drug could promote brain cell regeneration, improving cognitive function.
This announcement follows on from their presentation of interim trial results at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in July this year. During this presentation, Athira Pharma showed that NDX-1017 was safe and well-tolerated in 72 healthy young and elderly individuals. They also reported EEG results suggesting that NDX-1017 could cross the blood-brain-barrier, a key requirement for drugs aiming to target the brain. In their October announcement, Athira Pharma stated that 88 young and elderly individuals with and without Alzheimer’s disease had completed their Phase 1b trial of NDX-1017. Trial results will be featured in an oral presentation at the 2019 Annual Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) Conference, which will take place in San Diego between 4-7 December.
