MANF Therapeutics Announces Publication in Society for
Neuroscience eNeuro Journal
of Human Ocular
Distribution and Animal
Photoreceptor Protection
Data for MANF
New York, NY -- May 21,
2018 -- InvestorsHub NewsWire -- MANF Therapeutics, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc.
(OTCPK:
AMBS) in pre-clinical development advancing the orphan-drug
designated therapeutic protein mesencephalic astrocyte-derived
neurotrophic factor (MANF) as a disease-modifying treatment for
orphan ophthalmological conditions, Glaucoma and Parkinson's
disease, today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed
article in the Society for Neuroscience's scientific
journal eNeuro entitled "Photoreceptor
Protection by Mesencephalic
Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF)"
wherein the authors from the University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye
Institute, Delian Medical University in China and Jiangxi Medical
School in China describe the success of studies completed
evaluating mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor
(MANF) as a potential therapy in the treatment of
photoreceptor-related disorders. MANF has received orphan drug
designations from the US FDA for MANF in the treatment of retinitis
pigmentosa and retinal artery occlusion. IND-enabling studies are
expected to be re-initiated in the 2nd half of
2018.
Key Findings
from the Publication
- Mller cells are the major
MANF-expressing cells and the major source of MANF in the
retina;
- The potency of MANF as a
neurotrophic factor for photoreceptors is highlighted by the
significant protection of photoreceptors;
- rhMANF protects the
function of photoreceptors, as indicated by the significantly
preservation of ERGs in
the rd10 mice.
- This is a study of high
translational value to examine the neuroprotective potential of a
novel neurotrophic factor mesencephalic astrocyte-derived
neurotrophic factor (MANF) in the retina. MANF is expressed in the
retina at high level during postnatal development and then declines
as the retina matures. Recombinant MANF protects rod and cone
photoreceptor cells and preserves electroretinograms (ERGs). These
results suggest a role of MANF in the retinal development and
provide preclinical evidence for further development of MANF as a
neuroprotective agent as a potential treatment for retinal
degenerative disorders.
Link to the article:
https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0109-18.2018
The
ophthalmics therapeutic market is expected to reach $35B
by 2025 according to Grand View Research, Inc.
Glaucoma-alone affects approximately 4 million people in the United
States, with a total drug market size of approximately $3B. With
its unique mechanism of action, MANF potentially addresses key
unmet medical needs in a variety of retinal
conditions.
About MANF
Therapeutics, Inc.
MANF
(mesencephalic-astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor) is believed
to have broad potential because it is a naturally-occurring protein
produced by the body to reduce/prevent apoptosis (cell death) in
response to injury or disease, via the unfolded protein response.
By administering exogenously produced MANF the body, Amarantus is
seeking to use a regenerative medicine approach to assist the body
with higher quantities of MANF when needed. Amarantus is the
frontrunner and primary holder of intellectual property around
MANF, and is initially focusing on the development of MANF-based
protein therapeutics.
In April 2017, Amarantus
incorporated the wholly-owned subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc. to
focus on the preclinical and clinical development of MANF. MANF's
lead indication is retinitis pigmentosa, and additional indications
including Parkinson's disease, diabetes and Wolfram's syndrome are
envisioned. Further applications for MANF may include Alzheimer's
disease, traumatic brain injury, myocardial infarction,
antibiotic-induced ototoxicity and certain other orphan
diseases.
About Amarantus
Bioscience Holdings, Inc.
Amarantus Bioscience
Holdings (AMBS)
is a JLABS alumnus biotechnology company developing treatments and
diagnostics for diseases in the areas of neurology, regenerative
medicine and orphan diseases through its subsidiaries. AMBS'
wholly-owned subsidiary Elto Pharma, Inc. has development
rights to eltoprazine, a Phase 2b-ready small molecule indicated
for Parkinson's disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia, Alzheimer's
aggression and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
commonly known as ADHD. AMBS acquired the rights to the Engineered
Skin Substitute program, a regenerative medicine-based approach for
treating severe burns with full-thickness autologous skin grown in
tissue culture that is being pursued by AMBS' wholly-owned
subsidiary Cutanogen Corporation. AMBS' wholly-owned
subsidiary MANF Therapeutics, Inc. owns key intellectual property
rights and licenses from a number of prominent universities related
to the development of the therapeutic protein known as
mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor ("MANF").
MANF Therapeutics, Inc. is developing MANF-based
products as treatments for brain and ophthalmic disorders. MANF was
discovered by the Company's Chief Scientific Officer John
Commissiong, PhD. Dr. Commissiong discovered MANF from AMBS'
proprietary discovery engine PhenoGuard. The Company also
re-acquired rights to the Alzheimer's blood diagnostic LymPro Test
, MSPrecise and NuroPro.
For further information
please visit www.Amarantus.com, or connect with the Amarantus on Facebook,LinkedIn,Twitterand Google+.
Amarantus
Investor and Media Contact:
Howard
Gostfrand
American Capital Ventures,
Inc.
Office:
305-918-7000
Email: hg@amcapventures.com
Source: Amarantus
Bioscience Holdings, Inc.
