Longevity Biotech Awarded Grant From National Multiple Sclerosis Society to Evaluate LBT-3627 as a Novel Drug Candidate for Multiple Sclerosis

​​​​​Longevity Biotech, Inc. (LBT) has received an award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through Fast Forward, the Society’s commercial research funding program, to evaluate LBT-3627 in preclinical models as a potential disease-modifying therapeutic agent. The program aims to determine the ability of LBT-3627 to protect and repair damaged neurons while also restoring balance to the immune system. The grant establishes another neurodegenerative immune disorder program for LBT-3627, which is also in development for Parkinson’s disease among other neurological disorders.

“We are thrilled to work with the National MS Society on this project to evaluate the performance of LBT-3627 as the basis of a new therapeutic strategy addressing the debilitating unmet needs of the millions of MS patients,” said Dr. Scott Shandler, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Longevity Biotech.

“The unique biology of the VIP family of receptors, including VPAC2, plays multiple roles in neuroprotection. We hope that we can provide a desperately needed novel therapeutic paradigm to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as MS,” said Dr. Jenell Smith, Ph.D., a Lead Scientist on the project for Longevity Biotech.

“By targeting the VPAC2 pathway, the project aims to improve clinical outcomes by bolstering the regulatory immune response for neuroprotection while potentially also promoting the growth and maturation of myelinating cells,” said UCLA Professor James Waschek, Ph.D., an advisor to the program.

“These preclinical studies may provide evidence for further development of LBT-3627 for progressive forms of MS,” said Mark Allegretta, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Commercial Research at the National MS Society. “LBT-3627 has neuroprotective qualities and part of this work will determine its ability to promote maturation of myelin-producing cells.”

ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from numbness and tingling, to walking difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, pain, depression, blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide. Various strategies have been employed to treat MS, including anti-inflammatory agents and immunomodulators; however, there is still no cure. Agents that directly protect neurons and promote remyelination are critically needed.

ABOUT LONGEVITY BIOTECH, INC

Longevity Biotech, Inc. (LBT) is a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pursuing numerous innovative programs based on the patented Hybridtide® platform technology.  LBT's candidates display unique attributes that are expected to provide either first-in-class or best-in-class product profiles in their respective indication.  

The Hybridtide® technology can be applied to most peptides and is available for partnership and/or co-development efforts as appropriate.  For more information, visit http://www.longevitybiotech.com.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The Society mobilizes people and resources so that everyone affected by multiple sclerosis can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. Last year alone, through our comprehensive nationwide network of services, the Society devoted more than $100 million to connect approximately one million people affected by MS to the connections, information and resources they need. To move closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $42 million to support more than 380 new and ongoing research projects around the world. We are united in our collective power to do something about MS now and end this disease forever. Learn more at www.nationalMSsociety.org.

CONTACT:

Public Relations
Longevity Biotech, Inc.
Tel: +1 215-689-1042
Email: pr@LongevityBiotech.com