GeNeuro SA announces today the successful completion of its phase I clinical study with GNbAC1, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting a human endogenous retrovirus, to treat multiple sclerosis. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I study of single ascending intravenous doses of GNbAC1 in healthy volunteers demonstrated that GNbAC1 is very well tolerated.  

8th February 2012, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland – GeNeuro SA, a Geneva based private biotech company developing therapies for neurology disorders, has announced that the last subject in a Phase I study has been dosed with its monoclonal antibody GNbAC1 for multiple sclerosis (MS). This Phase I study is a single ascending dose study focusing on the safety and pharmacokinetics of the monoclonal antibody. During the study, 33 subjects have received the monoclonal antibody up to the maximal dose which was very well tolerated.

GNbAC1 targets the envelope protein of an endogenous retrovirus which could play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis. Discovered in the early 90’s, the Human endogenous retrovirus of type W is closely associated with MS and, due to its neurotoxic properties, could be a causal factor of the disease.

François Curtin, MD, CEO of GeNeuro said: “This is an excellent news for the company to have shown the safety of the product in Humans for the first time. This is a critical moment for MS patients and the MS community in general, as GeNeuro’s  approach is a real breakthrough in the therapeutic of this disease and is now ready for testing in patients. We have here a treatment which may stop the progression of the disease by targeting a key upstream factor of MS and which leaves the immune system untouched”.

GeNeuro’s next step is to administer the monoclonal antibody to MS patients in clinical studies which will start within the next months.

 

About GeNeuro SA

GeNeuro is a privately held biotech company that is focused on developing a pioneering approach for the therapy and diagnosis of diseases associated with human endogenous retrovirus expression with a primary focus on Nervous System diseases. GeNeuro builds a therapeutic product pipeline for disorders with high unmet medical needs. The company’s goal is to optimize the management of the disease, including the treatment, the diagnostic tools and the patient’s follow-up.

CONTACT:

GeNeuro SA; François Curtin, CEO; Tel. +41 22 794 50 85 ; Email fc@geneuro.com