Eikonizo Therapeutics is developing selective small molecule inhibitors of HDAC6 to enhance intracellular transport and reduce protein aggregation, addressing the progression of neurodegenerative and cardiorenal diseases. Their approach aims to improve cellular health and function while minimizing side effects associated with previous HDAC-targeting therapies.
Funding
$46.1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
NNFounders
Product
Problem
Neurodegenerative and cardiorenal diseases are characterized by impaired intracellular transport and the accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates within cells. Current therapies often lack the specificity needed to address these dual pathological mechanisms effectively, leading to limited efficacy and off-target side effects.
Solution
Eikonizo Therapeutics is developing a new class of highly selective, brain-penetrant small molecule inhibitors targeting HDAC6, a cytoplasmic lysine deacetylase. By inhibiting HDAC6, Eikonizo's therapeutic approach aims to enhance intracellular transport and reduce protein aggregation, addressing two key drivers of disease progression. These molecules are designed to improve cellular health and function in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, potentially slowing or stopping the progression of neurodegenerative and cardiorenal diseases. The dual mechanism of action also targets common pathological disease processes including chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress leading to overall improvements in cellular health and function. This approach seeks to provide disease-modifying benefits while minimizing the side effects associated with less selective HDAC inhibitors.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as those with cardiorenal diseases characterized by impaired cellular transport and protein aggregation.
Features
- Highly selective small molecule inhibitors of HDAC6
- Brain-penetrant and peripherally-restricted molecules for targeted delivery
- Dual mechanism of action: enhances intracellular transport and reduces protein aggregation
- Designed to improve cellular health and function in neurodegenerative and cardiorenal diseases
- Potential to slow or stop disease progression by addressing key pathological drivers