Athira Pharma Presents Preclinical Data Highlighting Neuroprotective Effects of ATH-1105 in Models of ALS at Motor Neurone Disease Association’s 35th International Symposium on ALS/MND

BOTHELL, Wash., Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athira Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration, today presented preclinical data highlighting target engagement and neuroprotective effects of ATH-1105 in human motor neurons at the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s 35^th International Symposium on ALS/MND, taking place Dec. 6-8, 2024, in Montreal, Canada.

“The preclinical data presented demonstrate for the first time the neuroprotective effects of ATH-1105 in human models of ALS, including human iPSC-derived motor neurons expressing the SOD1-A4V mutation,” said Kevin Church, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Athira. “These findings add to our significant body of preclinical evidence for ATH-1105 that have previously demonstrated improvements in nerve and motor function, biomarkers of inflammation and neurodegeneration, and survival in animal models of ALS.”

Presentation Details:
Title: ATH-1105, a small-molecule positive modulator of the neurotrophic HGF system, is neuroprotective in co-culture of human iPSC-derived motor neurons and muscle​
Poster: # HCB-28
Date/Time: Friday, December 6, 5:30 p.m. EST
Presenter: Sherif Reda, Ph.D., Associate Director, Discovery Biology, Athira Pharma

Highlights of this presentation include:

• ATH-1105 promoted activation of MET (HGF receptor) in ALS patient-derived motor neurons​.
• ATH-1105 enhanced motor neuron survival and preserved neurite networks following glutamate challenge in primary rat spinal motor neurons.
• ATH-1105 demonstrated neuroprotective activity through the MET receptor; following siRNA-mediated knockdown of MET, the neuroprotective effects of ATH-1105 on neuronal survival and neurite networks were abolished.
• In a neuromuscular junction model consisting of human iPSC-derived SOD1^A4V motor neurons and human muscle, ATH-1105 enhanced motor neuron survival and preserved neurite networks following glutamate challenge.

About ATH-1105
ATH-1105 is an oral, brain-penetrant, small-molecule positive modulator of the neurotrophic HGF system in development for the potential treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. ATH-1105 is currently in a Phase 1 (NCT 06432647) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in volunteers to evaluate single and multiple oral ascending doses of ATH-1105. The study is evaluating the safety and tolerability of ATH-1105 and includes measurements of pharmacokinetic outcomes.