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Alector Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial of AL044 for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
AL044 is the first clinical-stage drug candidate targeting MS4A, a major genetic risk factor for AD AL044, a novel first-in-class therapeutic candidate, seeks
About this update from Alector, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"AL044 is the first clinical-stage drug candidate targeting MS4A, a major genetic risk factor for AD AL044, a novel first-in-class therapeutic candidate, seeks to counteract multiple AD pathologies through modulating microglia, the brain’s immune cells Company has three novel immuno-neurology drug candidates in development to potentially address the significant unmet need in AD SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alector, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALEC), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering immuno-neurology and innate immuno-oncology, today announced the initiation of the first-in-human Phase 1 trial of AL044. The study is investigating the safety profile, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and target engagement of AL044 in healthy adults. AL044 is a function-modulating biologic targeting MS4A, a brain immune checkpoint molecule and a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's diseases (AD). MS4A is a unique risk gene for late-onset sporadic AD that appears to regulate, either directly or through TREM2, multiple aspects of disease risk and progression including the rate of Abeta and Tau accumulation, the rate of cognitive decline, the rate of brain tissue loss, the rate of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to AD and the age of onset and survival with AD. In preclinical studies, AL044 was shown in vivo to control microglial key signaling systems that drive proliferation, survival, lysosomal activity, migration, phagocytosis, energetics, and immune response. AL044 is anticipated to recruit microglia to counteract multiple AD disease pathologies either as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with therapies against misfolded proteins. By recruiting the brain’s immune system to counteract disease pathologies, AL044 represents a paradigm shift in therapies for neurodegeneration akin to immuno-oncology. “The initiation of this Phase 1 trial of AL044 further demonstrates Alector’s leadership and pioneering approach to activate the brain’s immune system as a novel way to potentially slow and repair neurodegeneration,” said Gary Romano, Alector’s Chief Medical Officer. “AL044 represents a differentiated mechanism of action from other potential Alzheimer’s disease therapies in development, and we believe it could provide profound benefit for patients in critical need of new treatment options. We lo...