NeuroVive’s collaboration with to-BBB Technologies B.V. of the Netherlands on the development of NVP014 for the treatment of ischemic stroke concluded at the end of 2014. Because to-BBB underwent restructuring just before the collaboration concluded and later went into liquidation, NeuroVive has chosen to bring the project to the next phase in collaboration with UK partner Isomerase Therapeutics. With the support of the chemistry platform NeuroVive acquired from Biotica in 2013, and new models for studies on penetration of the blood-brain barrier, the objective is to identify drug candidates for clinical development, mainly for the treatment of stroke.
The earlier project with to-BBB was financed by an EU grant (Eurostars™) secured through Swedish VINNOVA, and VINNOVA has approved NeuroVive’s decision to continue development alongside Isomerase Therapeutics. Further funding is now being sought from sources including VINNOVA.
The collaboration with Isomerase has already generated new lead compounds that are in pre-clinical evaluation.
“The initiative we’ve now begun with Isomerase Therapeutics is based on the results of our earlier project, but we’re now continuing the work with the molecules based on the same chemistry platform as for NVP018/NVP019, which we view as the next generation cyclophilin inhibitor. We’re also developing a new method for improved penetration across the blood-brain barrier compared to to-BBB’s preparation,” commented Magnus Hansson, Senior Scientist at NeuroVive.
“The former collaboration with to-BBB, our current partnership with Isomerase and the funding applications submitted during the spring alongside our strategic partners in Europe have broadened the project platform for NVP014. This increases our chances of developing effective drug candidates for the treatment of ischemic stroke,” Magnus Hansson continued.
About NeuroVive
NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ), the mitochondrial medicine company, is developing a portfolio of products to treat acute cardiovascular and neurological conditions through mitochondrial protection. These medical conditions are characterized by a pressing medical need and have no approved pharmaceutical treatment options at present. NeuroVive’s products CicloMulsion® (myocardial infarct) and NeuroSTAT® (traumatic brain injury) are currently being evaluated in phase III and phase II studies, respectively. NeuroVive’s research programs also include products for the treatment of brain cell injury in stroke patients, and drug candidates for cellular protection and treating mitochondria-related energy regulation diseases. NeuroVive’s shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm, Sweden.
For Investor Relations and media questions, please contact:
Ingmar Rentzhog, Laika Consulting, Tel: +46 (0)46 275 62 21 or ir@neurovive.se
It is also possible to arrange an interview with NeuroVive’s CEO Mikael Brönnegård or COO Jan Nilsson at the above contact.
NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ)
Medicon Village, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)46 275 62 20 (switchboard), Fax: +46 (0)46 888 83 48
info@neurovive.se, www.neurovive.se
NeuroVive Pharmaceutical AB (publ) is required to publish the information in this news release under The Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication on 17 April, 2015, at 8.30 a.m. CET.