FloBiotech and UCLA Health Agree on Neurodegenerative Disease Therapeutics
FloBiotech has entered into an agreement with UCLA Health to advance a novel class of therapeutics targeting neurodegenerative diseases. The deal includes the license of DDL-357, a molecule showing promising results in disease models.
FloBiotech has announced an agreement with UCLA Health to advance a new class of therapeutics aimed at biologically validated protective pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. The collaboration focuses on addressing significant unmet medical needs in the field.
The agreement grants FloBiotech a license for DDL-357, a small-molecule therapeutic candidate developed at UCLA Health. Preliminary data indicates that DDL-357 can reduce phosphorylated tau by approximately 40% and improve memory performance in disease models, suggesting potential disease-modifying capabilities.
FloBiotech's strategy involves intervening earlier in disease biology by enhancing the brain's natural protective mechanisms. This approach, grounded in human biology and targeting endogenous pathways like clusterin, has the potential for broad application across various neurodegenerative conditions.
The collaboration with UCLA Health, including work from Professor Varghese John's team, is expected to strengthen FloBiotech's pipeline and research capabilities. The partnership allows for continued scientific exchange and the exploration of additional discovery programs.
FloBiotech intends to advance DDL-357, initially targeting Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) to establish early clinical proof of mechanism, alongside its ongoing work on Alzheimer's disease.