Asceneuron SA, an emerging leader in the development of innovative small molecules for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today the regulatory approval of its clinical trial application to initiate a first clinical study of ASN120290 (formerly known as ASN-561), belonging to a chemically novel group of O-GlcNAcase enzyme inhibitors. Based on preclinical studies, ASN120290 has the potential to become a new treatment for dementia.

The objective of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I study is to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and food effect of single and multiple doses of orally administered ASN120290. Within this phase 1 study, Asceneuron will assess a blood-based biomarker to support optimal dose selection of ASN120290 for future trials. Upon successful completion of phase 1, a phase 2 proof-of-concept trial in the orphan tauopathy disease progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is planned for 2018 in elderly patients. PSP is a rare neurological condition that causes serious problems with walking, balance, speech, swallowing and vision as a result of the accumulation of aggregates of the tau protein in the brain. Three to six people per 100,000 will develop PSP and there is currently no cure. 

The therapeutic potential of ASN120290 has been demonstrated in preclinical studies in which it has been shown to substantially reduce the build-up of toxic aggregates of the tau protein into neurofibrillary tangles. Neurofibrillary tangles are widely recognized as a key driver of neurodegeneration and clinical symptoms in the majority of dementia cases, including Alzheimer’s disease. 

Dirk Beher, chief executive officer and a co-founder of Asceneuron, commented: “This is a significant milestone for Asceneuron and marks our transition to a clinical stage company. It is also a major achievement for our scientific team as ASN120290 is our first in-house developed molecule reaching the clinic and was designed to easily enter the brain. New approaches to treat dementia are urgently required and preventing toxic tau tangle formation with our O-GlcNAcase inhibitor represents a new mechanism of action.” 

J. Michael Ryan, chief medical officer of Asceneuron, added: “Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing public health concern, with high unmet medical need and no approved treatments for slowing disease progression. Receiving regulatory approval to progress ASN120290 into phase 1 moves us closer to our goal of bringing innovative, orally-administered, tau-focused therapies to patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.”

• With over 15 years of Central Nervous System (CNS) clinical research experience, Michael brings extensive drug development expertise to Asceneuron.
• He will be responsible for advancing Asceneuron’s pipeline of innovative small molecules and progressing tau modifiers through the clinic.

Asceneuron SA, an emerging leader in the development of innovative small molecules for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the appointment of J. Michael Ryan, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer. With over 15 years of Central Nervous System (CNS) clinical research experience, Michael brings extensive drug development expertise to Asceneuron. He will be responsible for advancing Asceneuron’s pipeline of innovative small molecules and progressing tau modifiers through the clinic.  

Michael joins Asceneuron from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, where he was Vice President in the Neuroscience Development Franchise and Therapeutic Area Head for Neurodegeneration for five years. At Novartis, he worked on the clinical development strategy and led programmes in a number of CNS indications including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Schizophrenia. He has also held a number of senior clinical research and development positions at several multi-national companies including Pfizer, Wyeth Research, and MSD Research Laboratories (known as Merck Research Laboratories in the United States).

Michael completed training in geriatric psychiatry and neuropsychiatry at Dartmouth Medical School and has published over 30 scientific articles on neurodegenerative diseases. He has held academic positions at Dartmouth Medical School and the University of Rochester, where he co-directed the Geriatric Neurology & Psychiatry Clinic until 2004. Michael holds an M.D. in Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and a B.S. in Biology from Georgetown University.

Dirk Beher, CEO of Asceneuron, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the Asceneuron team. His outstanding track record and expertise in neurodegenerative disease are crucial as we are about to progress our first highly brain penetrant and orally bioavailable tau modifier into the clinic for the treatment of a number of orphan CNS disorders. We look forward to working with Michael in addressing this high unmet medical need and developing our pipeline to bring our innovative small-molecule therapeutics to patients.”

Michael Ryan, newly appointed CMO of Asceneuron, added: “Asceneuron is at an exciting stage of development as it looks to take its tau modifiers into the clinic. I look forward to working with such a highly experienced board and dynamic team as we progress the pipeline and develop important treatment options for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.”