Neurology

In vitro and mouse studies suggest inhibiting LAG3 could help treat PD. In mouse primary cortical neurons treated with neurotoxic α-synuclein (SNCA) fibrils, LAG3 knockout or two anti-LAG3 mouse antibodies decreased the level of activated α-synuclein in the cells and cell-to-cell transmission of the fibrils compared with normal LAG3 expression or control antibodies. In mice receiving intrastriatal injections of α-synuclein fibrils, LAG3 knockout decreased the loss of dopaminergic neurons and PD-associated motor deficits compared with normal LAG3 expression. Next steps include developing small molecule LAG3 inhibitors that penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Novartis AG has the anti-LAG3 mAb LAG525 in Phase I/II testing to treat solid tumors...