OUR SCIENCE
Preventing Neuronal Damage After Concussion
How our technology works
Mechanism of Action – Our scientists have identified a potentially critical mechanism of neuronal damage and death resulting from concussion. The activation of the protease, calpain-2, is closely associated with cell damage and death following a concussion.
Protease Inhibitors – We have also discovered an inhibitor of this neurodegenerative process. Our proprietary calpain-2 inhibitor provides significant protection when administered after a concussion in animal models.
After TBI in mice; pictures taken 24 hours after TBI
Blood-Based Biomarkers – Importantly, we have identified a blood-based biomarker that directly correlates with cell death and drug target engagement. N-terminal fragment of brain spectrum (“SNTF”) is generated by calpain activation following a concussion and leaks into the blood.
Changes in Blood SNTF Levels 6 Hours After TBI (vehicle vs. calpain-2 inhibitor-injected mice)
Publications: Please see the links below to relevant scientific publications and abstracts (subscriptions may be required to obtain full access to some publications).
Trends in Neuroscience, Calpain-1 and Calpain-2: The Yin and Yang of Synaptic Plasticity and Neurodegeneration https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26874794