Oligomerix Publishes Preclinical Results of Oral Alzheimer’s Drug Study
Oligomerix, Inc., a pioneering clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing protein self-association inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders, has announced the publication of a preclinical study demonstrating the effectiveness of its oral small molecule drug, OLX-07010. The study presents in vivo proof of concept for the therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer’s and other tau-related diseases, showing that OLX-07010 can block the progression of tau aggregation and improve motor deficits.
Study Overview and Research Team
The preclinical study was conducted by Peter Davies, Ph.D., at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell, in Manhasset, New York. Oligomerix provided the experimental drug, which was administered through diets in a blinded manner to ensure unbiased results. The study’s objective was to evaluate the potential of OLX-07010 in treating tau-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, focusing on its ability to inhibit tau aggregation—a hallmark of the disease.
“The approach of targeting protein self-association was further validated in this program targeting tau, differentiating OLX-07010 from other therapeutic strategies,” said James G. Moe, Ph.D., MBA, President and CEO of Oligomerix, as well as the Principal Investigator on the project. “While many current therapies target fibril formation or attempt to disaggregate tangles, which may cause the production of toxic intermediates and further spread of the disease, our approach focuses on preventing the aggregation process itself.”
Blocking Tau Aggregation and Improving Motor Function
The key finding from the study is that OLX-07010 was able to prevent the accumulation of tau aggregates in mice that already had pre-existing tau pathology. This is a significant result for Alzheimer’s patients because tau aggregation begins long before clinical symptoms manifest. By halting the progression of tau aggregation, OLX-07010 could delay the onset of neurodegeneration and potentially alleviate symptoms as the disease advances.
“This study demonstrates that OLX-07010 can effectively stop the further accumulation of tau aggregates in mice,” said William Erhardt, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Oligomerix. “This is crucial for Alzheimer’s patients, as tau aggregation begins many years before cognitive decline becomes noticeable. Combining drugs that target amyloid beta aggregates (which initiate AD) with treatments aimed at tau and inflammation could provide a synergistic effect, offering a more comprehensive therapeutic approach.”
Oligomerix Publishes Preclinical Results of Oral Alzheimer’s Drug Study
Advantages of OLX-07010 Over Competing Treatments
One of the most promising aspects of OLX-07010 is its unique properties as an oral small molecule. This stands in contrast to antibody-based therapies that target tau, which are often difficult to administer and less patient-friendly. OLX-07010’s oral formulation offers a more cost-effective and accessible treatment option for patients, improving its overall potential for widespread use.
Another critical advantage of OLX-07010 is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and engage tau where it is aggregating in neurons. This feature is vital for the effectiveness of treatments targeting neurodegenerative diseases, as many drugs struggle to penetrate the brain and reach the target areas of pathology.
Current Clinical Trial and Future Directions
OLX-07010 is currently undergoing a Phase 1a clinical trial, which is testing the safety and pharmacokinetic exposure of the drug in healthy volunteers. The results of this clinical trial are expected to be completed in 2025. If successful, the drug could progress to later-stage trials focused on evaluating its effectiveness in patients with Alzheimer’s and other tau-related neurodegenerative disorders.
As the drug continues to undergo clinical testing, Oligomerix is hopeful that OLX-07010 will become a key player in the treatment landscape for Alzheimer’s disease, offering a more targeted and patient-friendly therapeutic option compared to the existing antibody-based treatments in development.
Published Research and NIH Support
The results of the preclinical study have been published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, under the title “Therapeutic Treatment With OLX-07010 Inhibited Tau Aggregation and Ameliorated Motor Deficits in an Aged Mouse Model of Tauopathy.” The study is available with open access (DOI: 10.1111/jnc.70025) for the scientific community to review.
The research was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under awards AG029777 and AG053150 from the National Institute on Aging. However, the content of the study is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the NIH.
Conclusion: A New Hope for Alzheimer’s Treatment
The publication of this preclinical study underscores the potential of OLX-07010 as a therapeutic treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. By targeting the early stages of tau aggregation, OLX-07010 could delay disease progression and provide much-needed hope for patients suffering from these debilitating disorders. As the clinical trials progress, Oligomerix remains committed to advancing this promising treatment to help change the course of Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.
About Oligomerix, Inc.
Oligomerix is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel, small-molecule inhibitors of protein self-association for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and rare neurodegenerative diseases such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Oligomerix has developed a platform of assays and small molecule inhibitors designed to block the initiation and progression of protein self-association upstream of their misfolding.
The company’s research laboratories are located at the Ullmann Research Center for Health Sciences within the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and its corporate headquarters are in White Plains, NY. For more information, please visit https://oligomerix.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn.
