Autifony Therapeutics announces publication in Nature Communications showing how novel Kv3 modulators with therapeutic potential can bind and enhance Kv3 ion channel function

Autifony Therapeutics announces publication in Nature Communications showing how novel Kv3 modulators with therapeutic potential can bind and enhance Kv3 ion channel function

International research collaboration between Thomas Jefferson University, Oxford University, the University of Brasilia, and Autifony Therapeutics

STEVENAGE, UK, 21st March, 2024 – Autifony Therapeutics (“Autifony”), a clinical-stage biotech company developing first-in-class therapeutics targeting Kv3 ion channels for treatment of CNS disorders, today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed article titled ‘The binding and mechanism of a positive allosteric modulator of Kv3 channels’ in the journal Nature Communications, which can be freely accessed here: https://rdcu.be/dB0xS.

The research was the result of collaborative work led by Prof. Manuel Covarrubias at Thomas Jefferson University, with Dr Gamma Chi at Oxford University, Dr Werner Treptow at the University of Brasilia, and Autifony Therapeutics Limited.

Autifony Therapeutics is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative therapeutics that target ion channels for the treatment of serious disorders of the central nervous system.

Dr Giuseppe Alvaro, Chief Research Officer at Autifony Therapeutics, said: “We are excited about the work done on the elucidation of the binding site of our Kv3 modulators. This unequivocally demonstrated the direct interaction of our molecules with the channel and the key amino acids involved in the binding. In addition, the pharmacophoric points we supposed to be crucial, based on the structure activity relationship, have been confirmed. The CryoEM technique, with this very high resolution, has the potential to be the key driver for future lead optimisation of chemical series allowing the discovery of the most efficient drug candidates.”

Dr Martin Gunthorpe, Chief Technology Officer at Autifony Therapeutics, said: “These latest results reveal so many intricate aspects concerning the functioning of Kv3 ion channels and the way our novel positive modulators work. Understanding of the mechanism of action of our compounds, so far built on detailed pharmacological studies, is now further resolved by the new ultrastructural images that allow us to ‘see’ what is actually going on at the atomic level. Detailing this specific interaction with human Kv3 channels adds further confidence in the therapeutic potential of Kv3 modulators which we are now investigating in ongoing clinical studies”.

The Nature Communications paper outlines how Autifony’s novel Kv3 modulator AUT5 binds to the Kv3.1 ion channel protein and promotes its activity to enhance control of excitability and neurotransmitter release in the brain. Such effects are considered to have potential to treat a range of conditions including schizophrenia, Fragile X syndrome and epilepsy.   Autifony is currently evaluating compounds of this class in clinical development where studies are underway to assess their ability to address a rare form of progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME or EPM7) as part of a precision-medicine approach.

 

Notes to Editors

About Autifony Therapeutics Ltd
Autifony Therapeutics is an independent UK based biotechnology company formed in 2011 as a spin-out from GSK, which retains equity in the company. The Company is focused on the development of high value, novel medicines to treat serious diseases of the central nervous system. It is funded by SV Health Investors, IP Group, Pfizer Ventures, International Biotechnology Trust PLC, and UCL Business plc. For more information, please visit www.autifony.com.

For more information, please contact:
Autifony Therapeutics Limited
Dr Charles Large, CEO
E: [email protected]