fosgo-AM, the active metabolite of fosgonimetone (ATH-1017), shows neuroprotective effects in primary neuronal cultures
Novel orally available small molecule positive modulators of HGF/MET reverse memory deficits in preclinical models

BOTHELL, Wash., Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atira Pharma, Inc. ATHAa late-stage clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration, today announced details of pre-clinical poster presentations at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).

“We continue to develop and expand our pipeline of small molecule positive modulators of the HGF/MET pathway to repair and restore neuronal health,” said Kevin Church, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research at Athira. “These presentations support the potential of this unique mechanism of action to positively impact neurodegenerative diseases.”

The first poster presentation, “Fosgonimeton, a novel, smallmolecule positive modulator of the HGF/MET system is neuroprotective in primary neuron culture” (Poster #: 65874), demonstrated that Fosgo-AM, the active metabolite of Fosgonimeton, the lead pipeline candidate by Athira (ATH-1017), promotes neurotrophic effects and provides protection against neurological damage central to neurodegeneration. In primary cultures of cortical neurons, treatment with Fosgo-AM increased the number of neurons and enhanced neurite outgrowth. Cortical neurons treated with Fosgo-AM showed significant protection against neurotoxic stress associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress. These neuroprotective effects underscore fosgonimetone’s therapeutic potential to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration.

The second poster presentation: “Development of stable, orally bioavailable small molecule positive modulators of the HGF/MET signaling pathway for the treatment of cognitive impairment” (Poster No.: 63440)…