NRG Therapeutics: Restoring motor neuron function via mitochondria

NRG Therapeutics has discovered a new target within an important but mysterious mitochondrial protein complex, whose inhibition it believes can slow neurodegeneration. The company plans to use its recently raised £50 million series B round to start clinical testing around year-end. 

The inspiration for NRG Therapeutics Ltd. came from a 2018 study in rat neurons with Parkinson’s pathology, showing that α-synuclein accumulation can cause opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), a megachannel located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. This stress-induced irreversible opening led to rapid loss of ions and solutes, causing matrix swelling, rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane, and, eventually, neuronal death...