Immunic Inc (NASDAQ:IMUX) has announced the publication of preclinical data highlighting the neuroprotective potential of its investigational drug, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838).
The data confirms that vidofludimus calcium acts as a potent activator of the nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1), in addition to its known function as a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor.
The activation of Nurr1 has been linked to the drug's postulated neuroprotective effects and its potential in reducing disability worsening events in patients with multiple sclerosis. The preclinical data, published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, demonstrates the strong Nurr1 activation achieved by vidofludimus calcium at low concentrations in various test systems.
In a statement, Dr Hella Kohlhof, chief scientific officer of Immunic, commented: "The neuroprotective properties of vidofludimus calcium were already identified in our phase 2 EMPhASIS trial in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, where the trial data showed encouraging clinical signals regarding prevention of confirmed disability worsening as well as a remarkable reduction of the biomarker neurofilament light chain (NfL)."
Dr Daniel Merk, chair of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, added: "From what we have now seen in our preclinical models, vidofludimus calcium and structurally related molecules are among the most potent Nurr1 agonists in literature."
In addition to the publication of the preclinical data, Immunic said it has submitted a new patent application in the United States and European Union to strengthen its intellectual property position.
The company's ongoing phase 2 CALLIPER trial aims to further investigate the neuroprotective potential of vidofludimus calcium in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, with an interim analysis of biomarker data expected in the second half of this year.
Immunic's CEO and president, Dr Daniel Vitt, also expressed excitement over the preclinical data, stating: "The preclinical data confirming vidofludimus calcium as a potent Nurr1 activator is another exciting milestone for our lead development program as it suggests that Nurr1 may be responsible for the drug's postulated neuroprotective effects."
Vidofludimus calcium, currently in development as an oral treatment option for multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases, selectively inhibits activated immune cells while activating the neuroprotective transcription factor Nurr1.
The drug has shown promising therapeutic activity in clinical trials and has a favorable safety profile, however, vidofludimus calcium is not yet licensed or approved in any country.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com