NeuroTargets Ltd (25% holding)	> Download more information

- $7 billion estimated existing market for pain treatments

- Specialising in diseases of nerve injury, drug targets to reduce pain and speed up nerve regeneration

Overview

NeuroTargets was founded by ANGLE in 1999 to commercialise original research carried out by a Bristol University team led by Professor David Wynick.

Background

NeuroTargets’ business model focuses on the co-development of novel therapeutic products with innovative mechanisms of action related to nerve injury.  More than 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, most of which are associated with neuropathic pain.  Fifty per cent of diabetics have some degree of chronic neuropathic pain secondary to neuropathy.  Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common and difficult to treat diabetic complication accounting for more hospitalisations than all other diabetic complications combined, and responsible for 50-70% of non-traumatic amputations.  Diabetes rates worldwide are expected to double from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million by 2030 (American Diabetes Association).

Market opportunity

The existing global market for treatments targeted at nerve injury and pain is worth in the region of $7 billion with strong growth forecast in the sector.

Current status

NeuroTargets’ research work has identified numerous gene targets that appear to be important for pain and has validated a number of these promising drug targets.  The most advanced projects relate to the neuropeptide galanin, a peptide involved in the repair of the peripheral nervous system following injury. Galanin also acts to protect the central nervous system following stroke or disease. Gal-R2 has been identified by NeuroTargets as responsible for reducing pain, speeding up nerve regeneration and protecting the brain from injury.

Progress

The Company has made progress in the year on the science of galanin on finding viable drug compounds and in partnering discussions.   Professor Wynick's academic group has identified that galanin agonists could have therapeutic benefit in  multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as neuropathy and neuropathic pain.  This significantly broadens the market opportunity available to the Company.

Although many companies have looked for galanin agonists, until now the only effective compounds were not suitable for drug development.  NeuroTargets has, through is development partners, identified new peptide agonists.  These have demonstrated long serum half-life, making them "druggable" in their own right as well as useful tools in drug development.  These peptide agonists are
now being tested in vivo for effectiveness in MS and neuropathic pain.  This is the first time any galanin agonist has been tested in this way.

As well as peptides, a number of small molecules have been identified.  To the Company's knowledge, these are the first small molecule galanin agonists ever described.

During the year NeuroTargets has held detailed discussions with a number of potential licensing partners.  The outcome of these discussions is awaiting positive in vivo data on the peptides.

NeuroTargets Ltd Registered Office: 20 Nugent Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AF.
Registered in England No 3863935

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