miCure Therapeutics develops proprietary non-invasive oligonucleotide delivery technology to target specific neurons in the central nervous system, focusing on microRNA-based therapies for treatment-resistant depression. Their approach enhances serotonin levels by modulating key receptors, addressing the limitations of current psychiatric treatments.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for depression, particularly treatment-resistant depression (TRD), often fail to adequately address the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, leading to suboptimal outcomes for many patients. Existing therapies may lack specificity in targeting affected brain regions and can produce systemic side effects.
Solution
miCure Therapeutics is developing a non-invasive oligonucleotide delivery technology to precisely target neurons within the central nervous system, with an initial focus on microRNA-based therapeutics for TRD. Their lead program leverages a miR-135 mimic to modulate serotonin levels by targeting key receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. The technology conjugates oligonucleotides to small molecule ligands that bind to neurotransmitter transporters or GPCR receptors on specific cells, enabling selective delivery of siRNA, miRNA, and ASOs to modulate gene expression. This approach aims to enhance efficacy and reduce off-target effects compared to traditional psychiatric treatments. Pre-clinical data in rodent and non-human primate models supports the viability of intranasal administration for brain delivery.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with treatment-resistant depression, as well as pharmaceutical companies and research institutions focused on developing novel therapies for central nervous system disorders.
Features
- Proprietary non-invasive oligonucleotide delivery technology for precise targeting of CNS neurons
- Conjugation of oligonucleotides to small molecule ligands for cell-specific delivery via neurotransmitter transporters or GPCR receptors
- Focus on microRNA-based therapeutics, particularly miR-135 mimic for treatment-resistant depression
- Modulation of serotonin levels by targeting key receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus
- Intranasal ("nose-to-brain") administration for direct delivery to the brain
- Potential application to other neurodegenerative and neurologic diseases beyond depression
- Ability to deliver siRNA, miRNA, and ASOs to modulate gene expression