Small molecule vs. antibody: Vesper Bio makes its case in GRN-FTD
Danish company argues SORT1 inhibition, without receptor degradation, could restore progranulin biology where Alector’s latozinemab failed
A readout last month showing that the first treatment for a genetic form of frontotemporal dementia failed in Phase III served as a reminder that even when causal biology is understood, the best way to intervene in that biology isn’t always clear. Copenhagen-based biotech Vesper Bio believes SORT1, the target of the failed candidate, remains viable, and cites several reasons why its small molecule against SORT1 may succeed where Alector’s antibody did not.
On Oct. 21, Alector Inc. (NASDAQ:ALEC) reported that latozinemab, its antibody targeting sortilin (SORT1), failed to slow disease progression in the Phase III INFRONT-3 trial, as measured by the co-primary endpoints of Clinical Dementia Rating plus National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Sum of Boxes. ...