Portfolio company Autifony Therapeutics, which is pioneering the development of novel pharmaceutical treatments for hearing loss and other serious brain disorders, has announced the start of Phase I clinical evaluation of its second Kv3 modulator, AUT00206, for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Kv3 ion channels are implicated in brain circuits which are believed to be dysfunctional in schizophrenia. This serious psychiatric illness has seen diminishing investment in research in recent years, and yet remains an area of high unmet need. The condition continues to impose a major social and economic burden.
Dr Charles Large, Chief Executive Officer of Autifony Therapeutics, commented:
“We are delighted that Autifony now has a second programme in clinical trials. We believe that AUT00206 has the potential to be a real breakthrough in the treatment of schizophrenia. We aim to progress this new drug as quickly as we can, to meet the high level of patient need.”
Read more http://www.autifonytherapeutics.com/publications/AUT206_FTIH_press_release_23Nov2015_v14_FINAL.pdf