The pathology of Tau
Tauopathies are devastating neurodegenerative diseases characterized by misfolded tau proteins in the brain. Our antibody specifically targets a type of tau implicated in disorders such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Protecting and preserving brain function
Our therapy aims to intervene at a critical point in disease progression by stopping both the acute neurotoxic effects and the transmission of toxic tau.
Our goal is to protect and preserve brain function, slow cognitive decline and support synaptic health. Our work is guided by the hope of creating a brighter future for patients and their families.
- Caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function
- Falls are thought to be a leading cause of TBIs
- Nearly 3 million TBI-related ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2014
- Impairs thinking and memory, movement and senses such as vision or hearing
- May also lead to mental illnesses such as depression and changes in personality
A TBI can range from a mild concussion to severe head trauma. TBI patients can experience a wide variety of negative effects across thinking, sensation, language and emotion that can last anywhere from a few days to the rest of their lives. TBIs are also believed to increase the risk for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
We are currently conducting a Phase 1 study of PNT001 in patients with acute traumatic brain injury. Learn more about the study here.
- Brain disease thought to be caused by repeated sub-concussive head impacts or traumatic brain injuries
- Often associated with contact sports
- Can only be diagnosed after death
There is still much to learn about CTE, including its prevalence and the factors that can contribute to the disease. In addition to repeated blows to the head, it’s possible that genetic, environmental or lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of CTE.
- ~ 5.5 million in the U.S. affected
- Progressive dementia that destroys cognitive function
- No treatment to reverse or halt progression
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating, yet common, form of dementia. The disease worsens over time. Early symptoms include mild memory loss that can eventually lead to the loss of ability to safely carry out daily activities and live a full, independent life.
We anticipate initiating a Phase 1 study of PNT001 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease by the end of 2021.
- ~ 20,000 in the U.S. affected
- Rapid declines in movement, balance, speech, swallowing, vision, mood, behavior and cognition
- Characterized by aggregates of tau and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain
- No effective treatment
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare brain disorder affecting movement, balance and gait control, speech, swallowing, mood and behavior. Symptoms often begin when patients are in their early 60s, but can arise when patients are in their 40s as well. PSP is slightly more common in men than women. However, PSP has no known geographic, racial or occupational preference.