Athira Pharma presents preclinical data on ATH-1105 in ALS

Athira Pharma presented data highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of ATH-1105, a small molecule positive modulator of the HGF/MET neurotrophic system, in a preclinical mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Data presented highlight the neuroprotective effects of daily ATH-1105 treatment in the TDP-43 mouse model of ALS. The study results show that compared to untreated TDP-43 controls: ATH-1105-treated mice were protected against loss of body weight and had significant improvement in motor function and coordination; ATH-1105-treated mice had significant improvements in nerve function; Biomarker assessments of ATH-1105-treated mice had significantly reduced plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and neurofilament light, suggesting a reduction in systemic inflammation and neurodegeneration, respectively; Assessment of sciatic nerve histology showed that ATH-1105-treated mice had a significant increase in the number of axons, larger axonal diameters, and normal myelin thickness levels, suggestive of neuroprotection. "Importantly, these positive findings in this ALS model are consistent with data we have reported in preclinical models of other neurodegenerative diseases, which also showed that enhancing the HGF/MET neurotrophic system has a positive impact on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, and could be disease modifying," said Mark Litton, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Athira Pharma. "We look forward to advancing ATH-1105 as a potential new therapy for debilitating neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS."