Contineum Therapeutics Publishes Positive Data on PIPE-307 for Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Contineum Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTNM), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, has announced promising preclinical findings for PIPE-307, a potential first-in-class M1 receptor antagonist aimed at treating relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). PIPE-307 is a novel, selective inhibitor of the muscarinic type 1 M1 receptor, showing early evidence of effectiveness in promoting remyelination in multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Carmine Stengone, President and CEO of Contineum Therapeutics, expressed confidence in the innovative approach of PIPE-307 for treating RRMS. He emphasized the significance of the publication in a high-quality journal like PNAS, which adds credibility to their research.

RRMS is the most prevalent form of multiple sclerosis, characterized by the accumulation of demyelinating lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin, a specialized extension of the plasma membrane of oligodendrocytes, insulates neurons, facilitating rapid and efficient transmission of electrochemical signals. In demyelinating diseases like MS, myelin loss leads to slower signal transmission and eventual neuronal function loss.

Dr. Stephen Huhn, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Contineum Therapeutics, explained that RRMS's immune-mediated effects enhance M1 signaling by increasing local acetylcholine concentration. This increase inhibits oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) maturation and remyelination. PIPE-307 aims to block the M1 receptor, removing this inhibitory brake, potentially allowing OPC maturation and axon remyelination.

The preclinical profile of PIPE-307 supports Contineum's ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial in RRMS. So far, Contineum has completed two Phase 1 trials of PIPE-307 in healthy volunteers. Now, they are progressing with a Phase 2 multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept trial named VISTA. This trial aims to assess efficacy and safety in RRMS patients, using multiple clinical and imaging endpoints sensitive to remyelination changes.

PIPE-307 is being developed under a global license and development agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, a member of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Contineum Therapeutics is focused on discovering and developing novel, oral small molecule therapies for neuroscience, inflammation, and immunology (NI&I) indications. They target biological pathways linked with specific clinical impairments, which, once modulated, may significantly impact disease progression. Contineum's pipeline includes programs addressing multiple NI&I disorders. Besides PIPE-307, another drug candidate, PIPE-791, an LPA1 receptor antagonist, is in clinical development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive multiple sclerosis.

Contineum Therapeutics operates with a mission to meet high unmet medical needs through innovative drug development. The company is actively advancing its clinical programs and expects to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial of PIPE-307 in depression in 2024, under the agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV.

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