Neuvivo Launches to Develop and Market Effective and Safe Treatments for ALS

Neuvivo, a company developing clinical-stage treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases, announced its corporate launch, the expansion of its executive team and the creation of its Scientific Advisory Board.

Photo: Ari Azhir, co-founder, president and CEO of Neuvivo

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare and fatal condition that affects motor neurons (a type of nerve cell that controls voluntary movements) in the brain and spinal cord. When the nerve cells die, the brain can no longer initiate and control muscle movement, which results in severe disability, paralysis and eventually death.

People with ALS may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe. The rate of progression between individuals is variable and the natural history generally reflects progressive worsening over time until death occurs. The average life expectancy from symptom onset is between two and five years. Currently approved medications may slow disease progression, but ALS management is mostly supportive, palliative and symptom based.

Current research points to compromised macrophage function as a critical factor in many CNS diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, suggesting that Neuvivo’s lead candidate, small molecule NP001, could potentially be used as a treatment for other diseases. It has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in ALS.

“NP001 is a first in class NCE and an entirely new approach to treating ALS,” said Michael McGrath, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Neuvivo, and emeritus professor of Medicine at UCSF.  “We know now that chronic inflammation is a key factor in the loss of motor neuron function in ALS. NP001’s mechanism of action targets macrophages to reduce inflammation and restore immune system equilibrium.”

The company’s near-term mission is to progress this candidate toward approval and deliver it to patients to reduce the suffering caused by this devastating disease.

Neuvivo is bringing together a team of seasoned industry executives, clinicians, and scientists with extensive backgrounds in ALS research and multiple product approval successes to carry forward its mission.

“Our Scientific Advisory Board has some of the world’s leading ALS scientists and clinicians who will help us achieve our goals, and we are excited to add executives to our management team who have extensive experience in achieving approvals for new drugs,” said Ari Azhir, co-founder, president and CEO of Neuvivo.

Author: Rare Daily Staff