This preclinical study aims to assess if the novel drug CP-6 is neuroprotective in models of Parkinson’s.
About the study
Developed by Creegh Pharmaceuticals, CP-6 is a new synthetic, or man-made, version of a type of fatty acid called a nitroalkene. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fat and play several essential roles, including acting as energy stores and helping to control what comes in and out of cells. Early lab-based studies have suggested CP-6 may be able to protect the dopamine nerve cells (neurons) that are lost in Parkinson’s by targeting several drivers of progression. This includes reducing inflammation in the brain, lowering oxidative stress (build-ups of toxic molecules in cells), and inhibiting build-up of alpha-synuclein – a protein which accumulates and interferes with cell functioning in the neurons of people with Parkinson’s. Additionally, CP-6 is thought to activate several cell defense pathways, helping to protect and repair damaged neurons.
Led by Dr Marco Fazzari from the University of Pittsburgh, this study aims to gather evidence of neuroprotection by testing CP-6 in a more complex model of Parkinson’s. The research team will be looking to determine whether CP-6 has a neuroprotective effect, how it achieves this (mechanism of action), and to determine if dosing affects how long the drug is active for. The team hope to use this data to evaluate how and if CP-6 should be assessed in future clinical trials for Parkinson’s.
Trial overview
- Researcher: Dr Marco Fazzari
- Institution: University of Pittsburgh
- Project Type: Preclinical
- Status: Ongoing
- Start Date: Sept 2024
- iLCT-evaluated (2023)
- Therapy Target: Neuroprotection
More about the study
What is CP-6?
CP-6 is a synthetic (man-made) version of a type of fatty acid called a nitroalkene (a type of nitro fatty acid). Fatty acids are the building blocks of fat in our cells and carry out a number of important functions, such as acting as energy stores and helping to control what comes in and out of cells. Nitro fatty acids are fatty acids which have reacted with nitrogen compounds; recent research has suggested that this class of fatty acids may have therapeutic benefits.
Specifically, nitro fatty acids are thought to help reduce oxidative stress – cell stress caused by the build-up of toxic molecules – and inflammation. These are both considered drivers of neuron loss in Parkinson’s; therefore, if CP-6 can correct these pathways, it may be neuroprotective. Previous preclinical research has indicated that CP-6 is able to mitigate several pathways within models of Parkinson’s; this study will seek to expand on this and better illucidate how it achieves a protective effect.
Our latest preclinical research project: evaluating the neuroprotective properties of ‘CP-6’
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