A second grant of 230 000 dollars (USD) from the Michael J. Fox Foundation supports further development

Domain Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of new drug candidates targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), today announces the receipt of a second grant of 230 000dollars (USD) from The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson’s Research to support its metabotropic glutamate receptor type III (mGluR3) positive allosteric modulators (PAM) program. The MJFF first supported the initial stages of this program in 2012 through a 300 000 dollars (USD) grant  

Today, marketed medications regulate only the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Although these drugs make patients’ life easier, they are not curative. In this context, Domain has generated an mGluR3 PAM program with the prospect of curing Parkinson’s disease. 

“This new grant allows Domain to move forward its mGluR3 PAM program towards in vivo proof-of-concept and identification of a preclinical candidate,” said Pascal Neuville, board director and CEO of Domain Therapeutics. “It also increases our opportunities to meet Pharma’s expectations, with the objective of reaching an effective partnership deal to ultimately help those living with Parkinson’s disease and enhance their quality of life.”
 
Domain discovered that mGluR3 PAMs already demonstrate, in vitro, a neuroprotective effect, mediated by the production of growth factors. Stimulating the production of these growth factors is essential for the survival of neurons. Throughout the rest of this year, Domain will identify the most favourable among its mGluR3 PAM leads in order to conduct proof-of-concept studies in Parkinson’s disease models.
 
“The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and stimulation of neurotrophic factors is one approach we find promising toward that goal,” said Marco Baptista, associate director of research programs at MJFF. “Our support recognizes the quality of Domain’s mGluR3 PAM program and our confidence in the capacity of the company to progress this valuable asset.”

About Domain Therapeutics

Domain Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Strasbourg, France. Domain is dedicated to the discovery and early development of small molecules targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), one of the most important classes of drug targets. Domain identifies and develops new drug candidates, allosteric modulators and biased ligands through its innovative approach and distinctive technologies. 

The company provides access to its technologies through research and collaborative agreements and develops its own pipeline for components up to the stage of preclinical candidate for major indications in the central nervous system, oncology and metabolic disorders. In January 2014, the company established its subsidiary, Domain Therapeutics NA Inc., at the NEOMED Institute in Montreal, Canada.

About Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by neuron loss. Symptoms include tremor, rigidity, cognitive decline and autonomic dysfunction. Parkinson’s disease has no cure at present, but drugs help to control the symptoms.

The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are due to a loss of dopaminergic neurons. Current medications aim to supplement dopamine. The most effective medication is levodopa (which is converted into dopamine once it reaches the brain), however this drug loses its efficacy after years of use and dyskinesia (involuntary movements) are observed at high dose. 

Another approach is based on the direct administration of dopamine agonists. Although this medication lasts longer, it is less effective than levodopa. More recently, alternative strategies have been marketed focused on the regulation of enzymes directly involved in the dopamine metabolism, but many side effects are observed (e.g. increased dyskinesia, hallucination, headaches). 

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