Doubling up: How ASX biotechs are multiplying their impact
LTR Pharma leveraging proven intranasal platform for erectile dysfunction treatment to target non-invasive relief for patients with swallowing difficulties
From concussion to Alzheimer's the CogState Cognigram digital cognitive assessment system is used by physicians to monitor brain function
As global biotech faces increasing pressure to deliver more with less, several ASX-listed healthcare companies are working to find smarter ways to stretch the value of their existing assets.
Whether it's repurposing a drug delivery platform, extending the reach of a diagnostic tool or developing next-generation compounds that act on the same biological pathway to treat other conditions, these companies are using proven science as a launchpad into broader clinical territory.
The strategy is playing out globally, with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly providing high-profile examples of repurposing GLP-1 drugs – originally developed for type 2 diabetes – for weight loss.
Blockbusters like Ozempic/Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro/Zepbound (Eli Lilly) are now reshaping treatment for obesity and related conditions.
It's a compelling demonstration of how one well-validated mechanism of action can be leveraged across multiple disease areas in turn lowering development risk, tapping into existing safety and efficacy data, and accelerating time to market.
For ASX healthcare companies navigating tighter capital conditions, similar strategies are proving to be a smart and resourceful way to unlock broader clinical value from their existing platforms.
LTR Pharma rises above ED with nasal spray tech targeting broader conditions
Developer of a nasal spray treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), LTR Pharma (ASX:LTP) has turned to a secondary program using its innovative intranasal delivery platform but this time for oesophageal motility disorders (OMD).
In May, LTR Pharma announced it had inked a collaborative development agreement with US-based Strategic Drug Solutions (SDS) to develop Oroflow a spray for OMD – a group of conditions that cause impaired swallowing (dysphagia).
The program leverages LTR's proven proprietary intranasal delivery platform and foundational work from its Spontan and Roxus ED treatments to target rapid symptom relief for patients with swallowing difficulties, potentially offering a non-invasive alternative to current treatments.
Oroflow aims to deliver relief in 10 minutes, bypassing swallowing barriers and offering a compelling althernative to treatments including invasive procedures such as pneumatic dilation, surgery, or botulinum toxin injections.
LTR Pharma is addressing a $4.5 billion OMD market projected to reach $8.1 bn by 2034 with the company announcing in its latest quarterly report that proof-of-concept testing preparations were underway.
LTR Pharma executive chairman Lee Rodne said Oroflow represented an exciting expansion of its nasal spray platform.
"For patients with swallowing difficulties, oral medications present obvious challenges for patients," he said.
"Our nasal spray technology is designed to offer a patient-friendly solution that avoids the need to swallow medications, have surgery or undergo other problematic treatments while providing rapid symptom relief.
Neuren targeting broad set of neurological conditions
Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU) is another standout. The company and US partner Acadia was in 2023 granted the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a drug to treat Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder mostly affecting girls and emerging in infancy.
Trofinetide, marketed as Daybue, is a synthetic analog of part of the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is a potent regulator of central nervous system development.
Neuren is now advancing NNZ-2591, which also targets IGF-1. Building on the scientific foundation of trofinetide, NNZ-2591 is structurally optimised to improve brain penetration, enhance tolerability, and expand therapeutic reach across a broader set of neurodevelopmental conditions.
Using a strategy that targets multiple indications from one compound, Neuren aims to accelerate development while reducing R&D expenses.
Currently in phase II trials, NNZ-2591 could open new treatment avenues for other underserved neurodevelopmental conditions like Phelan-McDermid, Angelman, and Pitt-Hopkins syndromes.
The company is preparing to start a phase III study of NNZ-2591 for its most advanced program Phelin McDermid. It also plans to consult with the FDA this year to establish a clinical path for NNZ-2591 to treat hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which results from a baby's brain not getting enough oxygen or blood flow before, or shortly after, birth.
"We believe the mechanism of action of NNZ-2591 can be broadly applicable to neurodevelopmental disorders, independent of the genetic origin," CEO Jon Pilcher told Stockhead.
"We are striving to be successful in multiple settings, for the benefit of both the impacted families and our shareholders."
Tracking cognition from concussion to Alzheimer's
From footy fields to neurology clinics, the CogState (ASX:CGS) Cognigram digital cognitive assessment system is used by physicians to monitor key aspects of brain function – including processing speed, attention, visual learning, working memory and executive function.
The test can assess cognition at a single point in time or track changes over multiple assessments. You may have heard of it referred to as the Cogstate concussion test in footy coverage. However, Cognigram has since evolved into a widely used tool in healthcare and research.
Cogstate is riding a wave of global demand for cognition-related clinical trials, particularly in the race to treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
The company recently upgraded its financial guidance for FY25, reflecting strong performance and improved outlook across key financial metrics.
Full-year profit before tax is forecast to be in the range of $12-14m, an improvement of 69% to 97% on FY24.
"We are now using Cognigram, which is the same cognitive assessment used to assess AFL footballers for concussion, to prescreen for clinical trials in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's," CEO Brad O'Connor told Stockhead.
"We have a contract with a large pharmaceutical company screening for 20,000 patients in the community to find those that might be appropriate to include in their very early stage Alzheimer's trials.
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