The first in-human dosing was for a fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease which binds to the inflammation driving component. This is known to activate pathological immune responses in neurodegenerative and ophthalmic diseases.
Importantly, the company says, based on preclinical studies to date, targeting this region does not impact or diminish fibrin’s critical role in blood clotting and coagulation. Key safety and proof of mechanism clinical data is expected by the end of 2024.
Laurence Barker, partner, Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF), said: “Initiating first-in-human dosing for THN391 is a significant milestone and we’re excited about the approach that Therini Bio is taking towards treating Alzheimer’s disease and other inflammatory neurodegenerative and retinal diseases.
Treating Alzheimer's
“As an early investor in Therini, we look forward to continue supporting the company’s mission of developing potential first-in-class therapies targeting toxic fibrin accumulation for areas of significant unmet patient need.”
The company says it is entering a new era of growth as a clinical-stage company, and it has appointed industry veteran Frank Lee as executive chairperson of the board.
Lee was most recently president and CEO of Forma Therapeutics until its acquisition by Novo Nordisk for $1.1billion in 2022. He brings more than 25 years’ global experience in product development and commercial leadership across a wide range of therapeutic areas within the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.
He was also senior vice president, global product strategy and therapeutic area head for the immunology, ophthalmology and infectious diseases at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, where he was responsible for driving development and commercial strategy for a broad portfolio of molecules in development and for global in-line product sales of more than $11billion.
Major milestone
Michael Quigley, president and CEO at Therin Bio, said: "We are thrilled to announce the initiation of first-in-human dosing for THN391, our fibrin-targeting therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer's disease. This is a major milestone for the company, and as part of our continued growth, we are excited to welcome Frank as executive chairperson of the board at Therini Bio. Frank's extensive experience in product development and commercial leadership will be invaluable as we enter this new era as a clinical-stage company."
Lee added: "I am honored to be joining Therini Bio as the company advances its first clinical candidate.
“I look forward to working alongside the team to help advance this candidate and its pipeline of fibrin-targeted therapeutic candidates. Therini Bio has assembled a talented group of experienced pharma and biotech veterans with a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes, and I am thrilled to be a part of this effort."
