Drug Design Approach
Developing Small Molecule Therapeutics for a Broad Range of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Our small molecules are designed to restore neuronal health by enhancing the naturally occurring neurotrophic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system. We have shown preclinically that enhancing the HGF signaling system has the potential to reduce inflammation, slow neurodegeneration, and provide neuroprotection. Subject to ongoing clinical testing, we believe our small molecules have the potential to modify the course of disease for patients across a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases.
Targeting the Neurotrophic HGF System
Our novel approach may offer the ability to both protect and repair neuronal networks from neurodegenerative diseases.
Proposed mechanism of action for ATH product candidates.
Select Scientific Publications on neurotrophic HGF and its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases
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- HGF and MET in the Brain and Neurological Disorders Review (Desole et al, 2021)
- HGF General Review (Nakamura and Mizuno et al, 2010)
- HGF Neurotrophic Review (Funakoshi and Nakamura, 2011)
- Genetic Signatures of the Adult Human Brain (Hawrylycz et al, 2015)
- Neurotrophic Effects of HGF after Injury (Shang et al, 2011)
- HGF and NMDA Receptor Activity (Akimoto et al, 2004)
- HGF Improves Synaptic Localization of NMDARs (Akita et al, 2008)
- HGF Roles in Immunomodulation (Molnarfi et al, 2015)
- HGF Overexpression Improves Learning and Memory (Kato et al, 2012)
- HGF Therapy is Beneficial in AD Mouse Model (Takeuchi et al, 2008)
- MET is Down-Regulated in AD (Hamasaki et al, 2014)
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Synapses Gone Cold (Koffie et al, 2011)
- Glial Cells Express HGF to Promote Neuronal Survival and Suppress Neuroinflammation (Nakano et al, 2017)
- HGF Enhances Dendritic Branching and Modulates NMDA Receptor Activity (Tyndall et al, 2007)
- HGF Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in Animal Models (Nho et al, 2018)
- HGF Improves Behavior in Animal Models of Anxiety (Isogawa et al, 2005)
Select LeonaBio Scientific Publications
By clicking on the links below, you will access PDF reprints of peer-reviewed publications made available by scientific journals via open-access.
Fosgonimeton, a Novel Positive Modulator of the HGF/MET System, Promotes Neurotrophic and Procognitive Effects in Models of Dementia
The Case for a Novel Therapeutic Approach to Dementia: Small Molecule Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF/MET) Positive Modulators
Predictive Power of Cognitive Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Disease Drug Develpoment: Utility of the P300 Event-Related Potential