Therapeutics: α-synuclein (SNCA)

Mouse studies suggest α-synuclein inhibitors could help treat stroke. In a mouse model of stroke caused by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, systemic knockout of α-synuclein decreased infarct volume and increased motor function and survival compared with normal α-synuclein expression. Also in the model, α-synuclein knockdown 30 minutes after reperfusion decreased infarct volume and levels of markers for apoptosis, mitochondrial fragmentation, oxidative stress and autophagy compared with normal α-synuclein expression. Next steps could include inhibiting α-synuclein in additional stroke models.

Biogen Inc. and Neurimmune Holding AG have BIIB054, a human mAb targeting α-synuclein, in Phase I testing for Parkinson's disease (PD)...