Brenig raises $65M to advance LRRK2 inhibitor BT-267 to trials
Funds to facilitate studies of treatment's potential as Parkinson's therapy
Brenig Therapeutics has raised $65 million to advance its lead candidate, LRRK inhibitor BT-267, into human clinical trials as a possible treatment for idiopathic (of unknown cause) and LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s disease.
The funds will be used to test BT-267 in healthy volunteers in a first-in-human study, Brenig said. After confirming the candidate’s safety in healthy participants, the company plans to start proof-of-concept studies in people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
“With the financing, we advance our goal of addressing the needs of Parkinson’s disease patients with our differentiated drugs,” Iain Dukes, PhD, Brenig’s chairman, said in a company press release.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the dysfunction and death of dopaminergic neurons, nerve cells that produce dopamine, a major brain chemical messenger. This leads to a range of motor symptoms, including tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movement, and nonmotor symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, depression, and sleeping issues.
In most cases, the disease’s cause is unknown. But some 5% to 10% of Parkinson’s cases are caused by genetic mutations, including mutations in the LRKK2 gene. Mutations in LRRK2 represent one of the most common genetic causes of Parkinson’s.
LRRK2 inhibitor designed using AI
The gene encodes the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein, which plays an important role in cellular processes like autophagy (the cells’ recycling and waste-disposal system), and mitochondrial activity that provides energy to cells.
BT-267 is a small molecule LRKK2 inhibitor designed using artificial intelligence in collaboration with Expert Systems, a drug accelerator platform.
The compound is designed to effectively and selectively target LRKK2 while minimizing off-target effects. Its profile allows for sustained and high exposure in the brain and limited exposure elsewhere, reducing the risk of side effects, Brenig said. According to the company, BT-267 maintains a favorable safety profile in ongoing standardized toxicity studies.
The Series A funding round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with significant participation from a new U.S.-based healthcare investor, as well as existing investors OrbiMed, Torrey Pines Investments, and BioGeneration Ventures. A Series A financing round is often the first round of venture money raised by a company.
“The Brenig team has made remarkable progress since inception,” said NEA partner Edward Mathers, who will join Brenig’s board of directors. “We believe their approach could lead to best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. NEA is thrilled to partner with Brenig through its next phase of growth.”
Funds will also be used to evaluate and potentially develop other candidates targeting Parkinson’s disease, Brenig said.
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