The early-stage biotech Neuron23 has appointed Dr. Sam Jackson as its first chief medical officer. South San Francisco, California–based Neuron23 specializes in developing precision medicines for genetically-defined neurological and immunological diseases. Jackson is a board-certified emergency physician with fellowship training in medical toxicology. “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Jackson to our growing Neuron23 leadership…

Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have discovered a new class of potential drug targets for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The scientists are working to identify the best method to attack the targets — oxidized proteins. The most potent oxidant of the bunch is peroxynitrite, which is produced in conditions involving inflammation.…

PurMinds believes psychedelics hold promise for neurological conditions Interest in psychedelics has ratched up in recent years and a growing number of drug companies are beginning to explore their potential to treat everything from depression to neurodegeneration. “It is a really really exciting time,” said Aron Buchman, chief strategy officer, PurMinds BioPharma, which is exploring…

For almost every major common disease, researchers have less understanding of the severe forms than milder cases. And as a result, people with severe forms of diseases often have few treatment options available.   Thus, the significant unmet medical need for many diseases ranging from multiple sclerosis to Alzheimer’s is to halt disease progression and treat severe…

Developing disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative diseases remains a pressing need. The incidence of neurodegenerative disease is ramping up in the U.S. and elsewhere as much of the global population ages. One out of three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Parkinson’s disease is also becoming more…

The need for therapies that change the course of Parkinson’s disease is considerable. “There are zero disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson’s,” said Dr. Allan Levey, professor and chairman of Emory University’s department of neurology.  Parkinson’s disease affects some 10 million people worldwide, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.  Current drugs for Parkinson’s make it possible to “reverse…

Privately-held Genuity Science and Emory University are collaborating with the hopes to accelerate drug research and development for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Clinical breakthroughs for neurodegenerative diseases are rare. The most recent drug to win FDA approval for Alzheimer’s, Namenda (memantine) from AbbVie-acquired Allergan, did so in 2003. And Levodopa, one of the most-effective Parkinson’s…