In this article published in Gene Online September 4, 2024, reporter Bernice Lottering writes about InMed’s INM-901 Alzheimer’s disease preclinical study results and the company’s other pipeline programs in ocular and dermatological diseases.
Excerpt:
InMed Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: INM) is advancing its drug candidate INM-901 as an oral formulation for Alzheimer’s disease. The company specializes in developing proprietary small molecule drug candidates targeting CB1/CB2 receptors. Promising preclinical trial results led InMed to push forward with this development program.
INM-901 Shows Neuroprotective Effects and Enhances Neuronal Function in Alzheimer’s
InMed is investigating INM-901, a small molecule cannabinoid analog, for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. INM-901 may provide a unique treatment approach by targeting multiple biological pathways linked to Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown INM-901’s neuroprotective effects and its ability to extend neurite length, which indicates enhanced neuronal function. Notably, this therapeutic effect is absent in current Alzheimer’s treatments. InMed has conducted several in vitro and in vivo studies, which have produced promising, disease-modifying results specifically related to reducing neuroinflammation. Moreover, recent preclinical research confirmed that INM-901 can be administered orally while maintaining similar therapeutic effects as intraperitoneal injections.
Additionally, INM-901’s oral formulation was found to sustain comparable drug exposure levels to intraperitoneal injections over 24 hours. This oral delivery method offers several advantages, including lower treatment delivery costs compared to intravenous antibody therapies. However, large molecule therapies, often requiring IV or subcutaneous delivery, face challenges with oral formulation, absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and bloodstream delivery. These therapies also come with side effects, such as brain inflammation and bleeding, necessitating constant monitoring and regular brain scans. Therefore, InMed Pharmaceuticals aims to address these issues with INM-901’s oral formulation, which may offer better absorption and ease of administration.
