Milton Werner, PhD, Inhibikase Therapeutics, Inc., Atlanta, GA, discusses upcoming studies evaluating the safety and tolerability of the drug IkT-148009, an Abelson Tyrosine Kinase (c-Abl) inhibitor, in patients with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). Data from animal models have shown that the activation of the c-Abl chemically modifies α-synuclein aggregates. Interestingly, in MSA, the α-synuclein aggregates are present in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes, but their precise origin and the mechanisms of neurodegeneration remain unknown. To further understand the mechanisms involved in MSA, post-mortem brain samples of patients were examined for markers of c-Abl modification. Those studies showed positive results, and a clinical trial evaluating IkT-148009 in MSA patients is expected to start at the end of 2023. Meanwhile, studies are being conducted on animal models to ensure the therapeutic benefits of the drug. This interview took place at the 2022 International Congress of Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders in Madrid, Spain.
These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.
