The startup develops novel pharmacological agents targeting Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on modifying disease progression through specific therapeutic mechanisms. By creating drugs that enhance patient quality of life, the company addresses the critical need for effective treatments in a field with limited options.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor system and degrading patients’ quality of life. Current treatments primarily address the symptoms of PD but do not halt or slow the underlying disease progression. There is a need for therapies that can modify the course of the disease and protect dopaminergic neurons from cell death.
Solution
FAScinate Therapeutics is developing KM-819, a first-in-class drug candidate designed to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA). KM-819 works by inhibiting FAF1 proteins, which promote the death of dopaminergic neurons. By preventing cell death, KM-819 aims to provide neuroprotection and modify the disease's trajectory, offering a potential improvement over existing symptomatic treatments. The drug has demonstrated an acceptable safety profile for long-term administration in patients, completing Phase I clinical trials and long-term animal toxicology studies.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals with Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, as well as pharmaceutical companies and investors interested in novel neurodegenerative disease therapies.
Features
- Targets and inhibits FAF1 proteins, a novel mechanism for disease modification in PD
- Designed for neuroprotection by preventing dopaminergic neuron cell death
- Demonstrated efficacy in animal models
- Completed Phase I clinical trials, indicating an acceptable safety profile for long-term use
- Currently advancing into Phase II clinical trials