Pramana Pharmaceuticals Inc., based in Vancouver, BC, has announced a significant milestone in its endeavor to combat Alzheimer's disease. The company has been awarded $1 million in non-dilutive funding from the Alzheimer's Association, aimed at advancing the clinical development of its lead therapeutic candidate, PRM-914. This once-daily oral medication is designed to act as a GPR119 agonist, a novel mechanism that holds promise in modulating the gut-brain axis, which is increasingly recognized for its role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The funding will facilitate essential IND-enabling studies, including final toxicology and translational research necessary to commence human clinical trials. Diane Alexander, the CEO and Co-Founder of Pramana Pharmaceuticals, expressed her appreciation for the support from the Alzheimer's Association, acknowledging how this funding serves as validation for their scientific strategy and operational execution.
PRM-914 has shown promising efficacy across various preclinical models relevant to the disease, demonstrating its ability to effectively engage critical pathways involved in neuroprotection and metabolic signaling. Notably, the therapy has exhibited a favorable safety profile in preclinical assessments, making it suitable for a transition to human trials.
Mark Heiman, Ph.D., who serves as the Principal Investigator at Pramana, highlighted the importance of this funding in transitioning from advanced validation in animal models to translating these findings into human applications. Given that Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and multifaceted condition, it is crucial to address its underlying biological mechanisms. PRM-914 uniquely targets Alzheimer's pathology through a validated gut-brain metabolic pathway, which positions it as a strong candidate for oral intervention aimed at alleviating symptoms or potentially altering the progression of the disease.
In addition to its application in Alzheimer's, Pramana’s GPR119 therapeutic platform is positioned to explore treatments for various cardio-metabolic and immuno-metabolic disorders, broadening the scope of its impact in the field of neurodegenerative research. The intellectual property surrounding this platform is globally secured, providing a robust foundation for future developments.
This funding milestone arrives at a critical time as the global dementia crisis continues to escalate, highlighting an urgent need for effective therapies. With its innovative approach and strong backing, Pramana Pharmaceuticals is poised to make significant contributions towards alleviating issues related to Alzheimer’s disease, promising hope to millions affected by this challenging condition.
For further information on Pramana Pharmaceuticals and its therapeutic development efforts, visit
www.pramanapharma.com.