TheraCryf
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How TheraCryf is focusing on innovative therapies for brain diseases

TheraCryf is developing novel medicines to help people with brain disorders and is focusing initially on addiction.

The lead programme is a class-leading orexin-1 antagonist, initially targeting binge eating disorder, with an aim to be clinic ready in 2026.

The second programme addresses fatigue with a novel dopamine transporter inhibitor (DAT).

Additionally, the company’s legacy programme, SFX-01, is a clinical stage asset that is being advanced via a fully grant funded collaboration with Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, in the fatal brain cancer glioblastoma* (GBM).

 

*orphan indication
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TheraCryf's priority product: OX-1

TheraCryf’s priority programme is a best in class orexin-1 receptor antagonist (blocker) that is being developed towards the clinic to target addictive behaviours like binge eating disorder (BED).

Orexin has a role in reward, feeding behaviour & anxiety and, via the Ox2 receptor, also has a role in sleep. Receptors are found in the hypothalamus, enteric nervous system and gut. Orexigenic signalling via the Ox1 receptor has been implicated in several addictive disorders including BED and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Proof of concept data has been generated in a rodent model of BED with TheraCryf’s candidate Ox1 antagonist.  This programme is at late pre-clinical stage and is now funded through to readiness for regulatory submissions to start Phase 1 human volunteer studies.

Clinical trials using orexin 1 antagonists have demonstrated alleviation of panic and anxiety in human models of these conditions.

Other Programmes

TheraCryf is focused on developing products to address areas of high unmet need in oncology and behavioural brain disorders.

Atypical Inhibitor of the Brain Dopamine Active Transporter (DAT)

TheraCryf’s second pre-clinical programme is an atypical dopamine transporter inhibitor targeting fatigue in areas such as multiple sclerosis (MS) where fatigue is a debilitating symptom for many MS patients.  Dopamine has a role in alertness amongst its other  functions in the central nervous system.  A gradual increase in brain dopamine without fast release (as caused by amphetamines) is expected to cause alleviation of symptoms of fatigue and narcolepsy.

Proof concept data has been generated in rodent models of fatigue and of narcolepsy using TheraCryf’s candidate atypical DAT inhibitor. This programme is also at a well-advanced preclinical stage and will be advanced into the clinic when additional resources become available.

SFX-01

SFX-01 is a unique, patented form of sulforaphane which has shown potential in the treatment of a number of cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders and other diseases.  SFX-01 is being advanced through collaboration with Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, NL on a fully grant funded programme to bring SFX-01 to patients with glioblastoma.

  • STAT3 and pSTAT3 – STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and phospho STAT3 (pSTAT3) has importance in controlling cancer metastases. Malfunction in these pathways has been implicated in a number of cancers including breast cancer. Research is ongoing into the role of SFX-01 and its inhibition of STAT3/ pSTAT3 in relation to the development of resistance to other therapeutic options.

  • Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor that is associated with a broad range of diseases characterised by excessive oxidative stress. Nrf2 regulates many target genes including those used in encoding proteins involved in the cellular antioxidant response, damage repair, protein homeostasis and maintenance of metabolic balance. SFX-01 inactivates a protein associated with regulating Nrf2, known as KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), allowing accumulation of Nrf2 and an increase in expression of target genes, potentially improving the cellular response to inflammatory and fibrotic challenges.

  • SHP2 (Src homology-2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2) is involved in several cancer-related processes, including cancer cell invasion and metastasis, apoptosis, DNA damage, cell proliferation, cell cycle and drug resistance. SHP2 may therefore be a therapeutic target of great potential.  In-vitro and in-vivo data demonstrates that SFX-01 modifies SHP2, inhibiting its phosphatase activity which is implicated in many aspects of solid tumour and haematological cancers.