Halia Therapeutics Presents Alzheimer's Data for HT-4253 at AAIC Conference

Halia Therapeutics presented two posters at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026, held July 12–15. The presentations highlighted preclinical data for the company's LRRK2 inhibitor, HT-4253, and its potential to prevent Alzheimer's disease in APOE4 gene carriers.

The company's approach is based on genetic resilience, where certain APOE4 carriers are protected from developing Alzheimer's due to a RAB10 variant. HT-4253 aims to replicate this protection by inhibiting LRRK2, an upstream regulator of the RAB10 pathway. According to CEO David Bearss, preclinical results show HT-4253 engages LRRK2, reduces neuroinflammation and tau pathology, and restores microglial function.

One poster, titled "HT-4253, A Brain-Penetrant LRRK2 Inhibitor, Targets Neuroinflammation and Tau Pathology for AD Prevention in APOE4 Carriers," described studies using human cell-based models. In these models, HT-4253 demonstrated targeted effects on LRRK2 and Rab10 phosphorylation. The compound also reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased tau phosphorylation, and improved microglial phagocytic function.

The second poster, "Design of a Phase 2a Trial of LRRK2 Inhibitor HT-4253 in Pre-symptomatic APOE4 Carriers Identified via Population-scale Genomics in the UAE," outlined the design for a Phase 2a clinical trial. This study will identify cognitively normal APOE4 carriers in the United Arab Emirates using population-scale genomics. Participants will receive daily HT-4253 for 48 weeks, with blood-based biomarkers monitored to assess the treatment's potential to alter disease onset and progression.

Halia Therapeutics, founded in 2017, focuses on developing therapies to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease, particularly in APOE4 carriers. The company's pipeline targets the RAB10 pathway via LRRK2 and NEK7.