A pioneering study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by researchers at Durham University has revealed promising results for a new treatment targeting motor neurone disease (MND).
The novel drug compound, Ellorarxine, developed by Nevrargenics, has demonstrated significant potential in improving neuronal health and nervous system regeneration in MND sufferers.
The study has shown that Ellorarxine exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects at remarkably low concentrations.
One of the most exciting aspects of this new drug is its ability to address what researchers call the "3Ns" - neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neurorepair.
This comprehensive approach is rarely seen in potential MND treatments and could represent a significant advancement in the field.
Researchers observed that Ellorarxine increases MAP2 expression, a protein crucial for neuron growth and function. The drug also induces neurite outgrowth and improves mitochondrial viability, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy neurons.
These promising results have led to the compound receiving approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to proceed to human trials, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Motor neurone disease, which affects over 5,000 people in the UK at any given time, is characterised by progressive muscle atrophy.
While current treatments only address symptoms, Ellorarxine shows promise in tackling the underlying causes of the disease.
Andy Whiting, emeritus Professor at Durham University and CEO at Nevrargenics said: "This study is another strong indication of how promising our novel drug Ellorarxine really is.
“It moves us closer to achieving our goal of bringing a drug to market and is testament to the power of conducting scientific research simultaneously across institutions to accelerate drug discovery."
Professor Paul Chazot of Durham University, lead supervisor of the study, added: "I have been looking for a drug like Ellorarxine for over 30 years.
“It addresses the '3Ns' which provides a rational solution to combatting the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases, including motor neuron disease."
This research builds on a recent study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience by academics at Aberdeen University, which showed Ellorarxine's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and concentrate in the spinal cord.
This property is crucial for any effective MND treatment and further underscores the potential of Ellorarxine.
ENDS
Media Information
Professor Andy Whiting from Durham University is available for interview and can be contacted on andy.whiting@durham.ac.uk.
Alternatively, please contact Durham University Communications Office for interview requests on communications.team@durham.ac.uk or +44 (0)191 334 8623.
Source
“Evaluation of a Synthetic Retinoid, Ellorarxine, in the NSC-34 Cell Model of Motor Neuron Disease”, (2024), O. Escudier, Y. Zhang, A. Whiting and P. Chazot, International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/18/9764
Images
Associated images are available via the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cxneso6zy6l0n2mv1tjiz/APVH7XmrAIkIeRvLhqStQQ4?rlkey=573les5g262g9qk20sxdd7bkj&st=bp3o4qmt&dl=0
About Nevrargenics
Nevrargenics Ltd is a UK drug discovery and development company focused on innovative and novel medicines for neurodegenerative disease. Two research groups based at Aberdeen and Durham Universities have been collaborating for several years, and through this collaboration, have designed, synthesised and identified a lead drug candidate with the potential for establishing new treatment approaches. Nevrargenics employs new dual-acting retinoic acid receptor modulators (RAR-M) as the basis for developing a series of new rationally designed, effective treatments, meeting that most severe of unmet needs.
About Durham University
Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research based in historic Durham City in the UK.
We are a collegiate university committed to inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham and in the world.
We conduct research that improves lives globally and we are ranked as a world top 100 university with an international reputation in research and education (QS World University Rankings 2025).
We are a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive UK universities and we are consistently ranked as a top 10 university in national league tables (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide).
For more information about Durham University visit: www.durham.ac.uk/about/
Journal
International Journal of Molecular Sciences