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MND Drug M102 Slows Disease in Mice as Sheffield Researchers Set Sights on Human Testing

The peer-reviewed paper details a dual-pathway approach activating NRF2/HSF1 to bolster neuron protection.

Overview

  • The University of Sheffield’s SITraN, working with US biotech Aclipse Therapeutics, reported preclinical results for M102 in Molecular Neurodegeneration.
  • Mouse studies found slower disease progression with preserved movement, gait, nerve function and muscle strength compared with controls.
  • The compound protected lab-grown motor neurones from damage caused by cells derived from people with motor neurone disease.
  • Investigators led by Professor Dame Pamela Shaw say they are prepared to advance toward first-in-human trials, though no human testing has begun.
  • Motor neurone disease remains a progressive, currently incurable condition affecting about 5,000 people in the UK, with many patients dying within two to five years of symptom onset.