FHL’s Areas of Focus
Conditions
of conditions that result in progressive degeneration and premature death of
neurons, which are cells in the brain. As the building blocks of the nervous
system, neurons are responsible for receiving, transmitting and communicating
information between different cells and organs in the body. Neurons cannot be
easily reproduced nor replaced when they die or are damaged.
Among neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s
Disease are the two most commonly diagnosed conditions. To date, available
therapies are dominated by symptom-relief drugs with limited safe treatments
to slow, stop or modify the progression of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other
neurodegenerative diseases.
The Umbrella Concept
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive brain disorder that
is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the substantial nigra
(SNc), which is responsible for controlling movements. As
these nerve cells become impaired and lose their ability to
produce dopamine, it disrupts the balance between inhibitory
dopamine and other neurotransmitters, resulting in resting
tremors in the limbs, stiffness and slowness of movement.
Another pathologic hallmark of PD is the formation of
α-synuclein-containing Lewy Bodies in the nerve cells. These
Lewy bodies are also believed to be responsible for
development and progression of dementia with Lewy bodies
and other neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple
system atrophy.
Although the exact cause of PD remains unknown, a
combination of genetic, environmental and age factors has
been discussed to be potential causes of the disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a
neurodegenerative disorder that destroys cognitive abilities and
interferes with daily activities. The classic pathological hallmarks of AD
are accumulation of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles as
well as loss of nerve cells in the brain.
Although the exact cause of AD still remains unknown, it is thought to
be multifactorial – a combination of genetic, environmental and
lifestyle factors. The first clinical sign of AD usually appears after the
age of 60 and the disease can worsen over time.
FHL Peptide Candidates Are Intended to be
Administered Intranasally to Unlock Greater Efficacy
We aim to develop drugs that are patient-friendly so patients’ needs
are front and center in our research and development process.
Intranasal administration is a non-invasive drug delivery technique
and commonly accepted by patients. Since the blood-brain barrier
(BBB) tightly regulates the movement of substances between the
blood vessels and the brain, large molecules are unable to reach
the brain in a therapeutic dose. However, our preclinical animal
studies demonstrate that intranasal administration allows our
peptide drug candidates to bypass the BBB and increases drug
efficacy. Moreover patients can self-administer drugs in the
comfort of their own home.
