Athira Pharma publishes research highlighting ATH-1105

Athira Pharma announced publication of research highlighting the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of ATH-1105 in preclinical models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. The original research article was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Frontiers in Neuroscience. ATH-1105 is a next-generation, orally administered small molecule drug candidate designed to enhance the neurotrophic hepatocyte growth factor, or HGF, system. ATH-1105 enhances neurotrophic HGF system signaling and protects primary neuron cultures from various insults relevant to ALS. ATH-1105 treatment reduced astrocyte reactivity in spinal motor neuron-astrocyte co-cultures and preserved neuromuscular junction integrity in spinal motor neuron-muscle co-cultures following exposure to toxic levels of glutamate, believed to be a key driver of ALS pathology. In a TDP-43 mouse model of ALS, ATH-1105 treatment significantly preserved body weight, reduced motor and nerve function decline over time, decreased plasma biomarkers of inflammation and neurodegeneration, prevented axonal degeneration and TDP-43 pathology in peripheral nerves, and ultimately extended survival.