Viage Therapeutics develops DGX-001, a first-in-class oral neurotherapeutic that modulates the vagus nerve through receptor interactions on enteroendocrine cells in the gut, targeting cognitive impairment in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The drug's gut-restricted mechanism minimizes systemic exposure and potential side effects, offering a safer alternative to traditional psychiatric medications.
Funding
$11.1M 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.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for cognitive impairment associated with conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease often have systemic side effects due to their widespread impact on the body. Many patients with these conditions also suffer from comorbidities and polypharmacy, making them particularly vulnerable to adverse drug reactions.
Solution
Viage Therapeutics is developing DGX-001, a first-in-class oral neurotherapeutic that targets cognitive impairment by modulating the vagus nerve through receptor interactions on enteroendocrine cells in the gut. DGX-001's gut-restricted mechanism of action minimizes systemic exposure, potentially reducing off-target side effects compared to traditional psychiatric medications. Phase 1 clinical trial data indicates that DGX-001 increases specific brain activity and may improve cognition, with undetectable systemic presence, confirming its gut-restricted action. The company plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials with a transdiagnostic study design to achieve cognitive improvement across different diseases.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as those with depression, anxiety, and inflammatory diseases.
Features
- Oral drug candidate targeting the gut-brain axis
- Modulation of the vagus nerve through specific receptor interactions on enteroendocrine cells
- Gut-restricted mechanism of action to minimize systemic exposure and potential side effects
- Demonstrated increase in specific brain activity (EEG measures) in Phase 1 study
- Potential for cognitive improvement based on Cogstate tests in Phase 1 study
- Pipeline includes novel neuropeptides and 2nd generation DGX-001-derived peptides and small molecules
- SAR-optimized drug candidates with potential in cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, and inflammatory disease