Study Rationale: Inflammation in the brain (neuroinflammation) is a key feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and signaling molecules called prostaglandins play a pivotal role in controlling chronic inflammation. Promising studies at Alchemab have identified antibodies that target prostaglandin biology, offering a potentially unique approach to treating PD. Here, we propose to develop an antibody-based therapy that targets prostaglandin biology to decrease neuroinflammation. We will also explore how the prostaglandin pathway impacts disease progression. We believe this approach may be widely applicable and beneficial across populations of people with PD and at various disease stages.
Hypothesis: We propose that modulating prostaglandin biology will be neuroprotective and decrease neuroinflammation and its associated pathology in PD.
Study Design: We will develop and test therapeutic antibodies that target the prostaglandin pathway in advanced cellular models of PD. These models mimic key features of disease that are seen in individuals with PD. Use of these advanced models will help to ensure that our findings can be translated to the clinic and increase our chance of success in bringing a disease-modifying therapy to people with PD.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: There are currently no disease-modifying treatments available for PD. This project has the potential to bring a novel disease-modifying therapy to the clinic that will target a key pathological mechanism that will be widely applicable and generalizable across the population of people with PD and at various stages of the disease.
Next Steps for Development: We aim to deliver a disease-modifying therapy to individuals with PD. We have already identified potent antibodies with therapeutic potential. This grant will help us demonstrate the importance of the target and enable us to progress our lead antibody candidate towards clinical testing.