Research

CNS medication with new mechanism

Drug Repositioning

Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist) belonging to the group of incretin mimetics for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and it is produced by direct chemical synthesis commercially. Also, exenatide is a synthetic version of exendin-4, a hormone found in the saliva of the Gila monster and it is a 39-amino-acid peptide, inducing insulin secretion. Exenatide binds to the intact human GLP-1 receptor in a similar way to the human GLP-1. Actually, exenatide has 50% amino acid homology to GLP-1 and it has a longer half-life in vivo.

While exenatide has been developed as a diabetes medication, researchers at NIH (NIA) have discovered the novel use of exenatide for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and registered related patents in USA and global. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated significant neurotropic and neuroprotective actions of exenatide in models of several disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, peripheral neuropathy and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

CRADA (Cooperative Research And Development Agreement)

In 2014, Peptron has exclusively licensed in the NIH Patents which allow only Peptron to develop exenatide as drug for neurodegenerative disorders and after exclusive licensing, both NIH and Peptron have been collaborating additional research under CRADA.

As experienced leaders in developing sustained-released therapeutics, the scientists at Peptron have enhanced the ability of exenatide to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver long-acting therapeutic effects of the neuroprotective peptide during cooperative research.

As experienced leaders in developing sustained-released therapeutics, the scientists at Peptron have enhanced the ability of SR-exenatide to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver long-acting therapeutic effects of the neuroprotective peptide. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, remain a great unmet medical need for millions of people around the world, and we are dedicated to innovating and advancing therapeutics for these life-altering diseases.

Proved in human through Investigator initiated trials (IITs)

As a clinical research, Dr. Thomas Foltynie of UCL in London, UK have reported very recently that exenatide showed promising clinical efficacy in Parkinson’s disease patients. Also, clinical study of exenatide for the treatment of early Alzheimer's disease is also ongoing in the US by NIA researchers.

Research Direction

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases remain a great unmet medical need for millions of people around the world, and we are dedicated to innovating and advancing therapeutics for these life-altering diseases.

Currently, Peptron has received the IND approval for Phase 2 clinical trial in Parkinson’s disease in Korea (PT320) and is also preparing Phase 2 clinical study in abroad. Investigational medicinal product (IMP) will be manufactured in facility of Peptron’s Osong Bio Park and it is on the way of regulatory process to produce IMP.

For commercial development, Peptron is pleased to have potential partners to develop together including clinical studies and market introduction in global.

Contact us

If you are interested in contacting Peptron regarding partnering opportunities, please email the Business Development Team at biz@peptron.com