Pharmaceutical company Ferrer announced that it has dosed the first participant in the PROSPER phase 2 clinical trial for an experimental treatment for progressive supranuclear palsy.

La ongoing trial seeks to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug FNP-223, which is designed to slow the progression of the disease. The drug works to prevent abnormal accumulations of the Protéine Tau, which is a driving factor of “tauopathies” like PSP.

“We are excited about the idea of being able to advance in this crucial phase of our research with FNP-223,” said Ferrer chief scientific officer Óscar Pérez. “The inclusion of the first participant into the PROSPER clinical trial marks an important milestone in our commitment to find transformative solutions for people living with PSP.”

FNP-223 Aims to Protect Tau from Alteration

Tau plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability, structure, and function of neurons. Tau can malfunction, however, due to a process called “phosphorylation.” During this process, phosphate molecules attach to proteins, which can alter their behavior or cause them to abnormally activate or deactivate. In tauopathies like PSP, the protein becomes so heavily phosphorylated that it clusters and creates tangles.

Tau normally receives protection from phosphorylation from the enzyme OGT, which forms a protective layer around the protein. However, a different enzyme, OGA, can remove this protective barrier, raising the risk of phosphorylation and the formation of tangles. By inhibiting the OGA enzyme with FNP-223, Ferrer hopes to protect Tau from phosphorylation.

According to Pérez, FNP-223’s “effect on the Tau protein could represent a therapeutic treatment capable of slowing down the development of this rare neurodegenerative disease.”

The PROSPER phase 2 clinical trial is expected to include the participation of 220 participants across 46 trial sites in the United States, United Kingdom, and seven European Union member states. PROSPER is currently recruiting in the United States – if you have questions about participating in a clinical trial, reach out to Assistance téléphonique de l'AFTD à 1-866-507-7222 ou info@theaftd.org.

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