Inflazome announces acquisition by Roche

• Inflazome is a pioneering inflammasome company developing orally available NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors to address clinical unmet needs across a wide variety of inflammatory diseases

• Acquisition of Inflazome gives Roche full rights to the Inflazome portfolio

• Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the body is implicated in many diseases caused by chronic, uncontrolled inflammation

• Inflazome shareholders received €380 million upfront, and are eligible to receive additional milestone payments

Dublin (IE), Cambridge (UK): Inflazome announced today that it has closed a share purchase agreement with Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) in which Inflazome’s shareholders received an upfront payment of €380 million, and are eligible to receive additional contingent payments to be made based on the achievement of certain predetermined milestones.

Inflazome was founded in 2016 by leading medical researchers Prof Matt Cooper (University of Queensland, Australia) and Prof Luke O’Neill (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland). The company is a leader in the development of inflammasome inhibitors.

The acquisition gives Roche full rights to Inflazome’s entire portfolio which is composed of clinical and preclinical orally available small molecule NLRP3 inhibitors. Roche intends to further develop NLRP3 inhibitors across a wide variety of indications with high unmet medical need.

Matt Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, Inflazome, commented: “We are delighted to close this deal with Roche, an outstanding pharmaceutical company with a broad commitment to multiple indications. With Inflazome now part of the Roche organization, Inflazome’s pioneering molecules are well positioned to be developed quickly and effectively so they can help patients suffering from debilitating diseases.”

Manus Rogan, Chairman and co-founding investor of Inflazome, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Matt, his team and my co-investors. The Company, which was established just four years ago, developed a portfolio of clinical and pre-clinical molecules with a lean, highly experienced team and limited invested capital.”

Lazard acted as financial advisor and Goodwin Procter and Byrne Wallace acted as legal counsel to Inflazome.

About Inflazome

Inflazome is a biotech company leading the development of orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are understood to drive many chronic inflammatory conditions, from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and NASH. Inflazome has a portfolio of orally available small molecule NLRP3 inhibitors, with lead molecules having successfully completed Phase I clinical trials, as well as several high potential earlier-stage programmes.

Inflazome has raised €55m in Venture Capital financing from leading investors Forbion, Longitude Capital, Fountain Healthcare Partners and Novartis Venture Fund.

Inflazome is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

About the NLRP3 Inflammasome

Activated NLRP3 acts as a ‘danger sensor’ in the body to release the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and induce uncontrolled, lytic cell death (pyroptosis). These processes lead to chronic inflammation, and as such, NLRP3 has been implicated in a large number of diseases.

Contacts

Inflazome

Dr Jeremy Skillington | VP Business Development

E: j.skillington@inflazome.com

Media

FTI Consulting

UK & International | Ciara Martin/Tim Stamper

T: +44 20 37271000

Ireland & International | Jonathan Neilan/Patrick Berkery

T: +353 1 7650800

E: StratCommEMEAInflazome@fticonsulting.com

FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation for Inflazome’s Inzomelid for the Treatment of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS)

Inzomelid is a potent, selective, orally-available, brain-penetrant NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor intended for treatment of debilitating inflammatory diseases.

Inflazome announced positive Phase Ib results with Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS), an autoinflammatory orphan disease driven by a mutated NLRP3 inflammasome, earlier this year.

Inflazome (inflazome.com), the pioneering inflammasome biotech company developing multiple drugs that stop harmful inflammation, today announces that it has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Inzomelid in the treatment of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS).

Orphan Drug Designation is an important regulatory milestone granted to drugs that are intended to treat rare diseases and conditions, such as CAPS. CAPS is a rare, autoinflammatory orphan disease driven by a mutation affecting the NLRP3 inflammasome. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in many diseases caused by chronic, harmful inflammation. Inflazome is looking to address such inflammation with one of its investigative drugs, Inzomelid, a potent and selective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome that can be taken orally.

In March 2020, Inflazome announced positive results with Inzomelid in CAPS, alongside the completion of a broader Phase I study that demonstrated excellent safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects. A follow-on Phase II trial is planned for this year to develop the dose for CAPS patients.

Dr. Thomas Jung, Chief Medical Officer, Inflazome, commented, “Receiving Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA is a validation of one of our investigative drugs, Inzomelid, and the pioneering work that we have done with the NLRP3 inflammasome since our foundation. Activation of NLRP3 is implicated in a very wide spectrum of diseases, of which CAPS is just one. Today’s news is a positive development for the CAPS patient community, for whom there are currently limited treatment options. We look forward to further developing Inzomelid and initiating our Phase II study in CAPS later this year.”

About Inflazome

Inflazome is a biotech company leading the development of orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are understood to drive many chronic inflammatory conditions, from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and NASH.

Inflazome has two clinical-stage investigational drugs. Inzomelid is under development as an orally available, brain-penetrant drug and Somalix is under development as an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug. Both will address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory conditions.

Inflazome is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Cambridge, UK and Brisbane, Australia. To learn more visit: inflazome.com

About the NLPR3 Inflammasome

Activated NLRP3 acts as a ‘danger sensor’ in the body to release the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and induce uncontrolled, lytic cell death (pyroptosis). These processes lead to chronic inflammation, and as such, NLRP3 has been implicated in a large number of diseases.

About Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), also called cryopyrin-associated autoinflammatory syndromes, are three diseases related to a defect in the NLRP3 gene. CAPS encompasses neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) and familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS). The differences in these diseases lie in their severity and the organs involved.

About Orphan Drug Designation

The Orphan Drug Designation Program provides orphan status to drugs and biologics which are defined as those intended for the safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases/disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S., or that affect more than 200,000 persons but are not expected to recover the costs of developing and marketing a treatment drug.

Inzomelid completes Phase I studies and shows positive results in the treatment of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS)

• The Phase I study demonstrated Inzomelid has an excellent safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile in healthy subjects, with dose-dependent target engagement

• Inzomelid also delivered positive preliminary results from a patient with Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS)

• Inzomelid is a potent, selective, brain-penetrant NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor intended for treatment of debilitating inflammatory diseases of the brain and is expected to move into Phase II trials this year

Inflazome (inflazome.com), the pioneering inflammasome biotech company developing multiple drugs that stop harmful inflammation, today announces the successful completion of a Phase I study of Inzomelid, alongside positive results from a Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS) patient dosed with Inzomelid. CAPS is an autoinflammatory orphan disease driven by mutated NLRP3. The results support the progression of Inzomelid into Phase II clinical trials.

Inzomelid is a selective, orally available small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in many diseases caused by chronic, harmful inflammation.

Drug exposures in the double blinded and randomised Phase I trial in healthy subjects increased linearly with dose, and correlated with markers of target engagement. The drug also demonstrated an excellent safety and tolerability profile.

Preliminary analysis from the CAPS part of this study showed that a patient with a confirmed NLRP3 mutation suffering from a CAPS-related flare showed rapid clinical improvement within hours and remission within days. A follow-on Phase II trial is planned to identify the best dose for CAPS patients.

Inzomelid follows Inflazome’s other NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, Somalix, in successfully completing Phase I trials. Somalix, an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug for inflammatory diseases, also demonstrated excellent safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects and is expected to enter Phase II trials in 2020.

Dr. Thomas Jung, Chief Medical Officer of Inflazome, commented, “The positive Phase I results from our two lead candidates, Inzomelid and Somalix, further validate our technology platform as we head with real momentum towards multiple Phase II trials later this year. The Inzomelid CAPS data also represents a very exciting step for the field in orphan indications. We believe this is the first example of positive data in a human disease setting with a small-molecule NLRP3 inhibitor. Our primary motivation is to develop drugs for which a high unmet medical need exists, so we are pleased to see that Inzomelid has demonstrated clear clinical potential.”

About Inflazome

Inflazome is a biotech company leading the development of orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are understood to drive many chronic inflammatory conditions, from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and NASH. Inflazome has two clinical-stage investigational drugs. Inzomelid is under development as an orally available, brain-penetrant drug and Somalix is under development as an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug. Both will address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory conditions. Inflazome is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Cambridge, UK and Brisbane, Australia. To learn more visit: inflazome.com

About the NLPR3 Inflammasome

Activated NLRP3 acts as a ‘danger sensor’ in the body to release the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and induce uncontrolled, lytic cell death (pyroptosis). These processes lead to chronic inflammation, and as such, NLRP3 has been implicated in a large number of diseases.

About Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), also called cryopyrin-associated autoinflammatory syndromes, are three diseases related to a defect in the NLRP3 gene. CAPS encompasses neonatal onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) and familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS). The differences in these diseases lie in their severity and the organs involved.

Inflazome’s Somalix Demonstrates Positive Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacodynamic Profile in its Phase I Study

• Results from the first-in-human study showed excellent safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects resulting in target engagment at all doses tested. These results support the progression of Somalix into Phase II studies this year.

• Somalix is a potent and selective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor under development as an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug for inflammatory diseases.

Dublin (IE), Cambridge (UK), Brisbane (AU) | Inflazome (inflazome.com), the pioneering inflammasome biotech company developing multiple drugs that stop harmful inflammation, today announces the successful completion of a Phase I study of its investigational drug, Somalix. Somalix is a small molecule, peripherally-restricted inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The Phase I data showed excellent safety and tolerability, while pharmacokinetics showed linear increase with dose which could be correlated with pharmacodynamic response. The results further validate Inflazome’s technology platform and support the progression of Somalix into Phase II clinical trials in the second quarter this year.

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the body is implicated in many diseases caused by chronic, uncontrolled inflammation. The Phase I study was a first-in-human, single-centre, double blinded and randomised trial that demonstrated excellent safety or tolerability in healthy, adult participants.

Subject to positive Phase I study results, Inflazome also intends to subsequently progress its second investigational drug, Inzomelid, into Phase II studies this year. Inzomelid is an orally available, brain-penetrant small molecule, intended for treatment of debilitating inflammatory diseases of the brain.

Thomas Jung, Chief Medical Officer of Inflazome, commented, “We are very pleased to have progressed our investigational drug, Somalix, through a first-in-human Phase I study and to have demonstrated safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamic response. We can now accelerate Somalix to fulfill its potential through multiple Phase II studies. We are expecting further data read outs for our investigational brain-penetrant drug Inzomelid very soon and look forward to progressing our pipeline to address inflammatory diseases with significant unmet medical need.”

About Inflazome

Inflazome is a biotech company leading the development of orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are understood to drive many chronic inflammatory conditions, from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and NASH. Inflazome has two clinical-stage investigational drugs. Inzomelid is under development as an orally available, brain-penetrant drug and Somalix is under development as an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug. Both will address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory conditions. Inflazome is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Cambridge, UK and Brisbane, Australia. To learn more visit: inflazome.com

About the NLPR3 Inflammasome

Activated NLRP3 acts as a ‘danger sensor’ in the body to release the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and induce uncontrolled, lytic cell death (pyroptosis). These processes lead to chronic inflammation, and as such, NLRP3 has been implicated in a large number of diseases.

Inflazome IP Portfolio Strengthened with Patents Granted in US and Europe

• USPTO and EPO grant patents licensed exclusively to Inflazome

• Patent claims cover Inflazome’s brain penetrant drug Inzomelid

DUBLIN, Ireland, CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom & BRISBANE, Australia - Inflazome (inflazome.com), the pioneering inflammasome biotech company developing multiple small molecule drugs that block harmful inflammation, today announces that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) will grant the patent application WO 2016/131098 as US 10,538,487 on 21 January 2020 and EP 3,259,253 on 15 January 2020.

The patents provide for compounds which have advantageous properties and show useful activity in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Motor Neuron Disease, in which inflammation arising from the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated as a key factor. Inflazome currently has two ongoing Phase I studies with Inzomelid and Somalix.

These new patents strengthen Inflazome’s intellectual property portfolio that extends to 43 patent families, reinforcing the company’s leading innovative position in discovering targeted therapies for inflammatory-driven diseases.

Matt Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Inflazome, commented: “The granting of these pioneering patents marks another milestone for Inflazome and strengthens our IP portfolio. The patents granted in the US and Europe cover our lead clinical candidate, Inzomelid. Both Inzomelid and our second drug, Somalix, are in the final stages of Phase I safety and tolerability trials for inflammatory diseases. We look forward to driving these drugs into further trials to help people with debilitating diseases.”

The patent was originally filed by the University of Queensland and Trinity College Dublin following a highly productive collaboration between Inflazome founders, Professor Matt Cooper (University of Queensland) and Professor Luke O’Neill (Trinity College Dublin). It was licensed exclusively to Inflazome when the company was founded.

About Inflazome

Inflazome is a biotech company leading the development of orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are understood to drive many chronic inflammatory conditions, from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and NASH. Inflazome has two ongoing Phase I studies, the first with Inzomelid which is under development as an orally available, brain-penetrant drug, and the second with Somalix which is under development as an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory conditions. Inflazome is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Cambridge, UK and Brisbane, Australia. To learn more visit: inflazome.com

About the NLPR3 Inflammasome

Activated NLRP3 acts as a ‘danger sensor’ in the body to release the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and induce uncontrolled, lytic cell death (pyroptosis). These processes lead to chronic inflammation, and as such, NLRP3 has been implicated in a large number of diseases.

Contacts

Inflazome: Dr Jeremy Skillington | VP Business Development E: j.skillington@inflazome.com
Media: FTI Consulting: UK & International | Ciara Martin/Tim Stamper T: +44 20 37271000 Ireland & International | Jonathan Neilan/Patrick Berkery T: +353 1 7650800 E: StratCommEMEAInflazome@fticonsulting.com

Inflazome Progresses Two Drugs Into Clinical Trials

• Two Phase I studies are underway for Inzomelid and Somalix, Inflazome’s NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, with data due in Q1 2020

• Inzomelid is under development as an orally available, brain-penetrant drug for neuroinflammatory diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Motor Neuron Disease as well as orphan diseases such as CAPS (Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes)

• Somalix is under development as an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease

Inflazome (inflazome.com), the pioneering inflammasome biotech company developing multiple drugs that stop harmful inflammation, today announces that healthy volunteers have been successfully dosed in the company’s Phase I clinical trials of Inzomelid and Somalix, two small molecule inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These trials represent an important milestone for Inflazome and confirm its leadership in the inflammasome space.

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the body drives harmful inflammation, and is implicated in many diseases. Inzomelid and Somalix are two potent small molecules designed to inhibit activation of NLRP3 and reduce the damage caused by chronic, uncontrolled inflammation.

Inzomelid is a brain-penetrant drug intended for the treatment of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Motor Neuron Disease as well as the orphan disease CAPS.

Somalix is intended for the treatment of debilitating conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis and many other diseases.

Both Phase I studies are first in human, single-centre, double blinded, randomised trials and are designed to evaluate safety and tolerability in healthy adult participants. The Inzomelid trial is expected to complete in January 2020, whilst Somalix will complete in March 2020. The Company intends to progress Inzomelid and Somalix into multiple Phase II studies in 2020.

Thomas Jung, Chief Medical Officer of Inflazome, commented, “We are delighted to see our two leading candidates, Inzomelid and Somalix, progress into the clinic and take a step closer towards finding a treatment for patients suffering from a range of diseases caused by harmful inflammation.”

Matt Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Inflazome, commented, “This achievement represents an important milestone for Inflazome and for the field of inflammatory diseases more generally. We are excited to advance two drugs into safety trials in preparation for multiple proof of concept Phase II trials in 2020. We have pioneered the development of inhibitors of inflammasome-driven inflammation and will use our expertise to bring benefits to patients as quickly as possible.”

About Inflazome

Inflazome is a biotech company leading the development of orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are understood to drive many chronic inflammatory conditions, from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and NASH. Inflazome has two ongoing Phase I studies, the first with Inzomelid is under development as an orally available, brain-penetrant drug for neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Motor Neuron Disease. Somalix is under development as an orally available, peripherally-restricted drug to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Inflazome is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Cambridge, UK and Brisbane, Australia.

To learn more visit: inflazome.com

About the NLPR3 Inflammasome

Activated NLRP3 acts as a ‘danger sensor’ in the body to release the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18 and induce uncontrolled, lytic cell death (pyroptosis). These processes lead to chronic inflammation, and as such, NLRP3 has been implicated in a large number of diseases.

Contacts

Inflazome: Dr Jeremy Skillington | VP Business Development

E: j.skillington@inflazome.com

Media: FTI Consulting

UK & International | Ciara Martin/Tim Stamper

T: +44 20 37271000

Ireland & International | Jonathan Neilan/Patrick Berkery

T: +353 1 7650800

E: StratCommEMEAInflazome@fticonsulting.com

Inflazome receives funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

• Funding in excess of US$1 million to support the development of a brain imaging probe for patient diagnosis and the clinical development of drugs to treat neurodegenerative diseases

• Inflazome is developing orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome

• NLRP3 activation is now associated with the progression of Parkinson’s Disease

Dublin (IE), Cambridge (UK): Inflazome (inflazome.com), the pioneering biotech company developing several small molecule drugs that inhibit harmful inflammation, today announces it has been awarded funding in excess of US$1 million by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). The grant will fund the development of a NLRP3-specific Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracer to allow non-invasive imaging of inflammasome-driven inflammation in the brain.

To enhance the accuracy and probability of success of a clinical trial in neurodegenerative disease, it is important to select suitable patients at the appropriate staging of the disease. It is also essential to determine whether the biological target of interest is being engaged by the drug in the brain. One approach to achieve this in the central nervous system (CNS) is by using an NLRP3-specific tracer during a PET scan. The tracer could quickly, accurately and non-invasively produce images showing the drug binding to target inflammasomes in the brain.

The NLRP3 inflammasome is believed to drive chronic inflammation associated with the progression of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease. The PET tracer will also help Inflazome to determine what doses are needed for patients in larger clinical trials in the future. The Principal Investigator on this project is Prof. Matthew Cooper, CEO and co-founder of Inflazome, who is assisted by Co-Investigator Dr David Miller, Head of Medicinal Chemistry.

Inflazome is developing orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is now understood to drive many chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. The NLRP3 inflammasome was recently shown to be associated with the progression of Parkinson’s Disease in humans and in non-clinical models, in research published on 31 October 2018 in Science Translational Medicine (Link).

This innovative research was co-authored by Prof. Cooper with research teams at The University of Queensland, Australia, led by A/Prof. Trent Woodruff and funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Shake It Up Australia Foundation.

Prof Matt Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO of Inflazome, commented: “The Michael J. Fox Foundation is a fantastic organisation with a passionate commitment to new science, science translation and candidate therapies for Parkinson’s. We are fully aligned in our shared goal to help patients with Parkinson’s and other debilitating neurodegenerative diseases, for which there are inadequate therapies and no cures. Their support will help us advance and hopefully validate our disruptive approach to diagnose and then treat patients by focusing on neuroinflammation.”

Dr Jamie Eberling, Director of Research Programs at MJFF, said, “An imaging tool to visualize neuroinflammation may help investigate Parkinson’s onset and progression as well as evaluate new treatments that could alter the course of the disease. Our Foundation is investing in this research due to the significant potential impact on drug development and patient lives.”

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, affecting more than 10 million people. It is characterised by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, accompanied by chronic inflammation in the brain. Inflazome has identified drugs to stop the chronic cycle of inflammation in the brain. Research published in Science Translational Medicine on 31 October 2018 found that the tool compound MCC950, a potent inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, given orally once a day could stop neuroinflammation. MCC950 arrested the effects of Parkinson’s in several animal models of the disease, leading to reduced brain neuron loss and higher levels of dopamine.

A link to a Parkinson’s Disease explainer video can be found here

About Inflazome

Utilizing the scientific expertise of our founders and advisors, Inflazome is leading the way in developing rally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is now understood to drive many chronic inflammatory conditions. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Inflazome was founded in 2016 by leading academics Professor Matt Cooper, The University of Queensland (Australia) and Professor Luke O’Neill, Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), following a highly productive joint collaboration.

To learn more visit: inflazome.com

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $800 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges ground-breaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.

Appointment of Dr Thomas Jung as Chief Medical Officer of Inflazome

• Industry veteran clinician to lead the clinical development of Inflazome’s pioneering NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors to treat inflammatory diseases

• Appointment follows Inflazome’s recent successful €40m Series B financing

• The NLRP3 inflammasome is now associated with a broad range of serious medical conditions driven by harmful inflammation; from neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to cardiovascular, liver, kidney and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Dublin, Ireland and Cambridge, UK : Inflazome (inflazome.com), the pioneering inflammasome company, announces the appointment of Dr Thomas Jung M.D., Ph.D., as its Chief Medical Officer.

Dr Jung joins Inflazome’s senior management team to lead the clinical development of its potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Dr Jung will oversee the company's global operations related to the development of Inflazome’s lead and next-generation compounds across a range of therapeutic indications; and will work collaboratively with Dr Jeff Thompson, Inflazome’s Head of Clinical Operations and Joanna Tufnell, Head of Regulatory Affairs.

Dr Matt Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO of Inflazome, commented: “Dr Jung has a long and successful track record in guiding pioneering medicines to the market. He brings significant breadth and depth in clinical immunology to the team. We look forward to working together to drive our novel immunotherapies through clinical trials to benefit patients affected by harmful inflammation.”

On his appointment Dr Jung commented: “I am delighted to join the Inflazome team. I see huge potential in Inflazome’s novel small molecules and their ability to transform patients’ lives in a variety of clinical indications. I am looking forward to working with physicians, scientists and patients to develop these new drugs and to deliver on the promise to modify inflammation for patients’ benefit”.

Dr Thomas Jung

Dr Jung is a M.D., Ph.D. physician-scientist with extensive experience in Translational Sciences, Preclinical and Clinical Development of small molecules and biologics.

During a distinguished career at Novartis, Dr Jung was a member of the Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research and Novartis Pharma for 13 years. His primary focus of immunological research was the study of innovative anti-inflammatory principles. He led the Canakinumab (Illaris®) Team in the US and EU, from bench to first approval for CAPS (Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes, a rare monogenetic disease). Dr Jung was also central to its expansion strategy into indications such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, gout and other rare fever syndromes. He made a significant contribution to the exploration of Canakinumab in cardiovascular diseases and served as the Development Head for Immunology products and, subsequently, as Head of the Translational Medicine Group for Novartis Europe. Thereafter, Dr Jung served as Chief Development Officer and Chief Medical Officer for two biotechnology companies in Switzerland: Auris Medical and Delenex. Dr Jung is a board-certified Dermatologist and holds an Associate Professor position for Dermatology at the University of Göttingen, Germany.

About Inflazome

Utilizing the scientific expertise of our founders and advisors, Inflazome is leading the way in developing orally available drugs to address clinical unmet needs in inflammatory diseases by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is now understood to drive many chronic and acute inflammatory conditions from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to cardiovascular, liver, kidney and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Inflazome was founded in 2016 by leading academics Prof. Matt Cooper, The University of Queensland (Australia) and Prof. Luke O’Neill Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), following a highly productive joint collaboration.

To advance its programs to clinical development, Inflazome recently closed a Series B financing of €40M / US$46M led by Forbion Capital Partners with Longitude Capital and Series A investors, Fountain Healthcare Partners and Novartis Venture Fund, also participating.

To learn more visit: inflazome.com