Longevity Biotech receives award to evaluate novel drug candidate for MS in preclinical models

Longevity Biotech, Inc. (LBT) has received an award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through Fast Forward, the Society's commercial research funding program, to evaluate LBT-3627 in preclinical models as a potential disease-modifying therapeutic agent. The program aims to determine the ability of LBT-3627 to protect and repair damaged neurons while also restoring balance to the immune system. The grant establishes another neurodegenerative immune disorder program for LBT-3627, which is also in development for Parkinson's disease among other neurological disorders.

"We are thrilled to work with the National MS Society on this project to evaluate the performance of LBT-3627 as the basis of a new therapeutic strategy addressing the debilitating unmet needs of the millions of MS patients," said Dr. Scott Shandler, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Longevity Biotech.

"The unique biology of the VIP family of receptors, including VPAC₂, plays multiple roles in neuroprotection. We hope that we can provide a desperately needed novel therapeutic paradigm to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as MS," said Dr. Jenell Smith, Ph.D., a Lead Scientist on the project for Longevity Biotech.

"By targeting the VPAC₂ pathway, the project aims to improve clinical outcomes by bolstering the regulatory immune response for neuroprotection while potentially also promoting the growth and maturation of myelinating cells," said UCLA Professor James Waschek, Ph.D., an advisor to the program.

"These preclinical studies may provide evidence for further development of LBT-3627 for progressive forms of MS," said Mark Allegretta, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Commercial Research at the National MS Society. "LBT-3627 has neuroprotective qualities and part of this work will determine its ability to promote maturation of myelin-producing cells."