Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that emerges when the immune system erroneously degrades myelin, the protective sheaths of the nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Current pharmacological treatments are primarily used during the active periods of the disease and often include tolerability and safety problems leading to adverse effects. Additionally, no therapies exist with the capability of inducing remyelination in late-stage MS.

Cyxone is developing T20K – a next generation drug candidate for MS. New promising preclinical results building upon research from Cyxone’s academic partner Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) strengthens the evidence that T20K acts as a potent ligand to the kappa opioid receptor (kOR). The receptor has recently been identified to play an important role in remyelination of neurons and to be involved in immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a suitable drug target in the treatment of early and late stages of MS.

“We are very pleased that our collaboration with researchers at the Medical University of Vienna has generated additional data supporting the benefit of the T20K/kOR combination in a laboratory model. This data opens the possibility to treat a larger group of MS patients in the future and to address a wider range of complications and symptoms which arise due to the disease. Such opportunities could substantially increase the value for both patients and healthcare systems,” says Tara Heitner, CEO, Cyxone.

The new data supports the company’s patent application, which was submitted in March 2020 and is public since September 23, 2021, entitled “Cyclotides in combination with kappa opioid receptor ligands for MS therapy”. The patent concerns the combination of T20K and kOR agonists as a possible treatment in MS. The collaboration with MedUni Vienna is set to continue.

“These novel data are exciting. Our current focus will remain on T20K as a monotherapy in MS. However, going forward we may also seek to harness T20K in combination with known opioid drugs and thereby utilize its immunosuppressive effects. This may be beneficial to reduce flares and progression of MS and introduces the possibility of remyelination.” says Dr. Gruber, Professor at the Medical University of Vienna and one of the inventors of the technology.

Contact

Tara Heitner, CEO
Tel: +46 (0)70 781 88 08
Email: tara.heitner@cyxone.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements that constitute subjective estimates and forecasts about the future. Assessments about the future are only valid on the date they are made and are, by their nature, similar to research and development work in the biotech field, associated with risk and uncertainty. In light of this, actual outcomes may differ substantially from what is described in this press release.

About Cyxone

Cyxone AB (publ) (Nasdaq First North Growth Market: CYXO) develops disease modifying therapies for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis as well as treatments for virally induced acute respiratory disorders. Rabeximod is a Phase 2 candidate drug being evaluated for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and moderate Covid-19 infections. T20K is a Phase 1 candidate drug for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Certified Adviser is Mangold Fondkommission AB, +46 (0)8 503 015 50, ca@mangold.se. For more information, please visit www.cyxone.com