Halia Therapeutics to Present LRRK2 Alzheimer's Program at Discovery Europe 2024

Halia Therapeutics, based in Lehi, Utah, is making significant strides in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases with its innovative treatments. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializes in developing small molecule medications aimed at reducing inflammation, a common factor in various chronic conditions.

On May 14, 2024, Halia announced the launch of a new clinical program focusing on HT-4253, a promising candidate for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Company President and CEO, David J. Bearss, Ph.D., will introduce this groundbreaking program at the upcoming Discovery Europe 2024 Conference in Basel, Switzerland.

The HT-4253 program is particularly notable for its target: the Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein. This protein plays a crucial role in regulating RAB10, a significant element in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting LRRK2's regulation of RAB10, HT-4253 aims to tackle the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's, offering a new avenue for treatment.

Dr. Bearss expressed enthusiasm about Halia's involvement in the Discovery Europe 2024 Conference. He emphasized the importance of the HT-4253 program, describing it as a potential paradigm shift in Alzheimer's treatment. The presentation, titled "HT-4253, A Brain Penetrant LRRK2 Inhibitor Targeting Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases," will be held on May 23 from 4:00 to 4:20 p.m. CEST at the Congress Center Basel.

In addition to presenting HT-4253, Dr. Bearss will participate in a panel discussion on the "Landscape of Drug Discovery and Impact of AI" on May 22 from 1:50 to 2:30 p.m. CEST. He will also chair the "Drug Discovery for Neurodegenerative Diseases" session on May 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CEST.

Halia Therapeutics is committed to advancing HT-4253 through rigorous clinical development. The company aims to collaborate with patients, caregivers, and the scientific community to accelerate the progress of this promising treatment.

HT-4253 is an orally administered small molecule with excellent brain penetration capabilities, targeting neuroinflammation mediated by LRRK2. Chronic brain inflammation is a known driver of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Halia's scientists have identified LRRK2 as a critical regulator of this inflammation. By inhibiting LRRK2, HT-4253 could potentially alter the progression of these diseases.

The company plans to file for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for HT-4253 within the year, aiming to initiate a first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial by the second half of 2024.

Halia Therapeutics is also actively developing other therapeutics for chronic inflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Its lead candidate, HT-6184, targets NEK7 and NLRP3 and has completed a Phase I study assessing its safety and tolerability. The company has initiated two Phase II trials to evaluate HT-6184's efficacy in treating lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes and post-procedure diagnostic biomarkers of inflammation and pain.

Halia Therapeutics is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions through innovative therapeutic solutions. With its headquarters in Lehi, Utah, the company continues to push the boundaries of medical science.