The number of people affected by neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's diseases as the most common ones, is increasing in line with the global population ageing. Currently, no treatment exists that can alter the course of these conditions in order to halt or slow the progressive destruction of neurons. Polku Therapeutics Oy is developing a solution to this problem which will help the tens of millions of people worldwide who are affected by these diseases.
Discovery of new small molecules stopping neurodegenerative symptoms
The primary cause for neurodegenerative diseases is not well understood, but prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) enzyme, an intracellular protein found in the brain and throughout the body, has been shown to contribute to the harmful processes seen in neurodegeneration.
The NeuroPREP research group at the University of Helsinki has studied the role of PREP in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease toxic mechanisms since 2011, and recently developed new PREP ligands, that have the potential to regulate the PREP enzyme and exert a beneficial effect on a number of disease mechanisms simultaneously. These molecules may halt or at least slow the destruction of neurons and the worsening of patient symptoms.
The discovery of PREP ligands is the result of research based on long-standing investigations into the function of the PREP enzyme by the research group led by Professor of Pharmacology Timo Myöhänen in collaboration with Docent of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Erik Wallén.
“What makes PREP a unique drug target for neurodegenerative diseases is that PREP seems to have effect on various major toxicity mechanisms that are seen in several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, our novel ligands that regulate PREP differently than older PREP inhibitors, can have an impact on various toxic mechanisms instead of one. This has led to disease-halting effects in mouse models and could be effective enough to reduce neuronal death in patients,” says Timo Myöhänen.
Journey from research discovery to science-based spinout company
Polku Therapeutics is developing the PREP ligands towards clinical trials with a focus on disease-halting treatments for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's diseases.
“We are addressing a huge unmet need in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, which combined affect millions of people globally each year. While we’re still at an early stage, at the right time we anticipate partnering with global pharma partners to realise the potential of these multi-billion dollar market opportunities,” says Polku Therapeutics, CEO, Simon Bennett.
“From the perspective of a technology transfer company, it is a great to see how the Business Finland funded NeuroPREP commercialisation project, has evolved into a spinout company with a commercially viable technology. We are excited about the next chapter of Polku Therapeutics and truly believe that they will positively impact many lives,” says Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, CEO, Marko Hakovirta.
Backed by experience and a wide investor base
The new spinout company Polku Therapeutics Oy was co-founded by Professor Timo Myöhänen, Docent Erik Wallén, CEO Dr Simon Bennett, and Director of Operations Sebastian Soidinsalo.
The funders in the pre-seed funding round were Torrey Pines Investment, Innovestor Life Science Fund, Business Finland and Helsinki University Funds with a total of €2 million. Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, the University of Helsinki's technology transfer company, functioned as a driving force in the process of preparing for commercialisation.
Polku Therapeutics was established in December 2023, and it operates from Helsinki.
Further information:
Polku Therapeutics Oy, Director of Operations, Sebastian Soidinsalo, sebastian@polku-therapeutics.com