Drug discovery company TauGen has filed a US patent application for a new series of drug candidates targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress – a key factor in secondary brain injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The company, owned by the board of directors of CereMark Pharma, has developed a platform of molecules designed to address “downstream” pathological processes linked to TBI, which can result from contact sports, military service or accidents.
The drug candidates specifically target ER stress – the accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins – which research shows plays a crucial role in brain cell health and in the progression of injury after the initial trauma.
By inhibiting ER stress, the compounds aim to provide both acute and chronic management options for TBI, addressing a significant gap in current medical treatment.
Dr Henry (Hank) Chilton is chief executive officer of TauGen and CereMark Pharma.
He said: “We are excited to have developed this series of new and novel compounds that are focused on both acute and chronic management of ER stress mechanisms.
“ER stress is a well-recognised contributor to secondary brain injury, and our work has been dedicated to creating unique compounds that address this critical mechanism.
“These drug candidates represent a significant step forward in providing immediate and effective management options for traumatic brain injuries, which remain a major challenge in various settings.”
The patent application builds on existing research into ER stress and its role in secondary injury.
TauGen says it aims to establish new treatment options that could improve outcomes for people living with the after-effects of traumatic brain injury.
