Karolinska spin out NeuroNova agrees license with Genentech

Licensing

NeuronNova has agreed a license with Genentech that gives NeuroNova the right to use VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  In return Genentech will have the option to license any resulting product for the US, Canada and Mexico with predetermined opt-in and milestone fees.

ALS, one of the most devastating diseases of the central nervous system, is characterised by progressive muscle weakness that may affect the limbs as well as muscles involved in speech and swallowing. The mean survival from diagnosis is 30 months and there is no effective treatment.

NeuroNova’s drug sNN0029 contains very low doses of naturally-occurring VEGF, which has been shown to improve muscle strength and prolonged survival in an animal model of ALS. Disturbances in the ability to produce VEGF have been demonstrated in patients with ALS, further supporting the hypothesis that sNN0029 administration may slow disease progression.

NeuroNova has approval from the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products in Belgium to carry out a first-in-human study with sNN0029 in ALS.

“We are very satisfied to have concluded this important agreement with Genentech, where we can explore the use of an exciting biological molecule for a potential beneficial use in this devastating disease,” said Ulf Ljungberg, CEO of NeuroNova.

NeuroNova is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and was founded in 1998 by two neuroscientists from Karolinska Institutet. The company employs 14 full-time staff and is financed by HealthCap and Investor Growth Capital.