Novartis Phase 2 Trial - VHB937

[powerpadman]

It looks like VHB937, being studied in the NCT06643481 clinical trial, targets microglia, which are immune cells in the nervous system. Specifically, VHB937 is designed to interact with a protein on the surface of microglia called TREM2 (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2).

The goal is that by activating TREM2, VHB937 will make microglia more protective of other cells, such as the motor neurons that are affected in ALS. Preclinical research suggests that VHB937 can increase TREM2 activity, improve the ability of microglia to remove damaged cells, and enhance the survival of neurons.

 

[JAM]

Are you in the trial?

 

[powerpadman]

It's possible we could get into this trial.

I meant to ask in the original post, has anybody heard of this drug?

 

[lgelb]

There's a lot on line but also Novartis is doing a webinar on it on the 8th-- see https://bit.ly/448mOTY to register

 

[powerpadman]

Ok thanks. There's a bit online but not anecassarily s much as some other drugs in the same stage so was wondering if there's a reason for that.

Maybe because Novartis hasn't done as much PR for this...yet.

 

[lgelb]

Google TREM2 ALS. For example, this.

PR is not usual for Phase 2 development. You actually see more news at an earlier stage in ALS than in other diseases because advocacy groups, etc. jump into it, not realizing that most Phase 2 agents fail. And in the new order in the US, the advance-to-P3 rate is likely going to drop.

 

[powerpadman]

Ah yes thank you. I had read this article previously but hadn't connected it to Novartis' VHB937. Looks this drug may be one of the best candidates at addressing TDP-43 and the connection to TREM2. Thanks for the info!