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![Life Molecular Imaging Secures Funding from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) to Further Investigate [18F]F-DED PET in Alzheimer's Neuroinflammation](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fapnews.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Life Molecular Imaging Secures Funding from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) to Further Investigate [18F]F-DED PET in Alzheimer's Neuroinflammation
Joining forces to accelerate development and to create a potential new option for Neuroinflammation Imaging BERLIN and BOSTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Molecular Imaging has received an investment from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) to advance significant research in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The $2.16 million investment, spanning three years, will fuel the development of [18F]F‑DED, an investigational F18-labeled PET imaging agent designed to target monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), a key enzyme linked to neuroinflammation. This ambitious research initiative is a collaborative effort with two world-class institutions, including the University Hospital of Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU; Munich, Germany) and the Barcelona Beta Brain Research Center (BBRC, Spain), with experts in neurology, nuclear medicine, psychiatry, and stroke and dementia research. It is anticipated that using [18F]F-DED PET imaging during this project has the potential to provide critical insights into both sporadic and genetically predisposed AD patients, bridging the gap on the contribution of neuroinflammation between early and late stages of the disease. Until now, PET imaging of neuroinflammation has faced challenges due to genetic polymorphisms affecting ligand binding, leading to inconsistent results. 'This new research, supported by the prestigious ADDF funding, provides a unique opportunity to investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of neuroinflammation and its association with established biomarkers,' said Andrew Stephens, Chief Medical Officer at LMI. 'Neuroinflammation could be a potential key driver in the spread of tau pathology to the cortex in Alzheimer's disease. Leveraging PET imaging to explore its role presents a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of disease progression,' added Matthias Brendel, Professor for Nuclear Medicine at LMU. Gemma Salvadó Blasco, Group Leader of Neuroimaging Research BBRC, echoed this enthusiasm: 'By combining data from diverse Alzheimer's disease cohorts, we aim to unravel the complexities of disease progression. We're thrilled to embark on this exciting journey.' 'PET-Imaging tools provide important insights into understanding Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders and are integrated now into clinical care,' says Howard Fillit, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the ADDF. 'New imaging tools exploring neuroinflammation may offer a non-invasive approach to visualize astrocyte activity alongside established biomarkers to further examine the relationship between inflammation and Alzheimer's. If successful, this innovative approach will help deepen our understanding of the underlying disease.' About Neuroinflammation represents a key pathologic mechanism in many neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, movement disorders and multiple sclerosis. In the brain it can be mediated by reactive astrocytes (astrogliosis), which show increased activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). The PET tracer [18F]F-DED is a deuterated deprenyl derivative that was designed to preferentially bind to areas with increased MAO-B activity (1,2). About Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) is an international radiopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and offering novel cutting-edge PET radiopharmaceuticals for imaging of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The organization strives to be a leader in the molecular imaging field. Our mission is to pioneer innovative PET products that improve early detection and characterization of chronic and life-threatening diseases, leading to better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life. By advancing novel PET radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging, LMI is focusing on a key field of modern medicine. LMI is an affiliate of Life Healthcare Group – an international people-centered, diversified healthcare organization with four decades of experience in the South African private healthcare sector. To learn more, please visit About Life Healthcare Group Life Healthcare is a global people-centered, diversified healthcare organization listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Life Healthcare has over 40 years' experience in the South African private healthcare sector, and currently operates 64 healthcare facilities in southern Africa. Services include acute hospital care, acute physical rehabilitation, acute mental healthcare, renal dialysis, oncology, diagnostic and molecular imaging and health risk management services which include occupational health and wellness services. The Group also owns Life Molecular Imaging, a radiopharmaceutical business dedicated to developing and globally commercializing innovative molecular imaging agents for use in PET-CT diagnostics to detect specific diseases. Visit: About The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF is the only public charity solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. The ADDF's leadership and contributions to the field have played a pivotal role in bringing the first Alzheimer's PET scan (Amyvid®) and blood test (PrecivityAD®) to market, as well as fueling the current robust and diverse drug pipeline. Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $370 million to fund 765 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs, biomarker programs and clinical trials in 21 countries. To learn more, please visit: References 1. Nag S, Fazio P, Lehmann L, et al. In Vivo and In Vitro Characterization of a Novel MAO-B Inhibitor Radioligand, 18F-Labeled Deuterated Fluorodeprenyl. J Nucl Med. 2016;57(2):315-320. doi:10.2967/jnumed.115.161083 2. Ballweg A, Klaus C, Vogler L, et al. [18F]F-DED PET imaging of reactive astrogliosis in neurodegenerative diseases: preclinical proof of concept and first-in-human data. J Neuroinflammation. 2023;20(1):68. Published 2023 Mar 11. doi:10.1186/s12974-023-02749-2 For media queries Brittany Hahn | Marketing Communications Manager | Life Molecular Imaging Tel: +1.484.735.2840 | [email protected] For scientific information, please contact: Dr. Gérard N Bischof, PD | Scientific Project Manager | Life Molecular Imaging| [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Life Molecular Imaging
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Life Molecular Imaging Secures Funding from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) to Further Investigate [18F]F-DED PET in Alzheimer's Neuroinflammation
Joining forces to accelerate development and to create a potential new option for Neuroinflammation Imaging BERLIN and BOSTON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Molecular Imaging has received an investment from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) to advance significant research in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The $2.16 million investment, spanning three years, will fuel the development of [18F]F‑DED, an investigational F18-labeled PET imaging agent designed to target monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), a key enzyme linked to neuroinflammation. This ambitious research initiative is a collaborative effort with two world-class institutions, including the University Hospital of Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU; Munich, Germany) and the Barcelona Beta Brain Research Center (BBRC, Spain), with experts in neurology, nuclear medicine, psychiatry, and stroke and dementia research. It is anticipated that using [18F]F-DED PET imaging during this project has the potential to provide critical insights into both sporadic and genetically predisposed AD patients, bridging the gap on the contribution of neuroinflammation between early and late stages of the disease. Until now, PET imaging of neuroinflammation has faced challenges due to genetic polymorphisms affecting ligand binding, leading to inconsistent results. "This new research, supported by the prestigious ADDF funding, provides a unique opportunity to investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of neuroinflammation and its association with established biomarkers," said Andrew Stephens, Chief Medical Officer at LMI. "Neuroinflammation could be a potential key driver in the spread of tau pathology to the cortex in Alzheimer's disease. Leveraging PET imaging to explore its role presents a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of disease progression," added Matthias Brendel, Professor for Nuclear Medicine at LMU. Gemma Salvadó Blasco, Group Leader of Neuroimaging Research BBRC, echoed this enthusiasm: "By combining data from diverse Alzheimer's disease cohorts, we aim to unravel the complexities of disease progression. We're thrilled to embark on this exciting journey." "PET-Imaging tools provide important insights into understanding Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders and are integrated now into clinical care," says Howard Fillit, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the ADDF. "New imaging tools exploring neuroinflammation may offer a non-invasive approach to visualize astrocyte activity alongside established biomarkers to further examine the relationship between inflammation and Alzheimer's. If successful, this innovative approach will help deepen our understanding of the underlying disease." AboutNeuroinflammation represents a key pathologic mechanism in many neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, movement disorders and multiple sclerosis. In the brain it can be mediated by reactive astrocytes (astrogliosis), which show increased activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). The PET tracer [18F]F-DED is a deuterated deprenyl derivative that was designed to preferentially bind to areas with increased MAO-B activity (1,2). About Life Molecular Imaging (LMI)Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) is an international radiopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and offering novel cutting-edge PET radiopharmaceuticals for imaging of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The organization strives to be a leader in the molecular imaging field. Our mission is to pioneer innovative PET products that improve early detection and characterization of chronic and life-threatening diseases, leading to better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life. By advancing novel PET radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging, LMI is focusing on a key field of modern medicine. LMI is an affiliate of Life Healthcare Group – an international people-centered, diversified healthcare organization with four decades of experience in the South African private healthcare sector. To learn more, please visit About Life Healthcare GroupLife Healthcare is a global people-centered, diversified healthcare organization listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Life Healthcare has over 40 years' experience in the South African private healthcare sector, and currently operates 64 healthcare facilities in southern Africa. Services include acute hospital care, acute physical rehabilitation, acute mental healthcare, renal dialysis, oncology, diagnostic and molecular imaging and health risk management services which include occupational health and wellness services. The Group also owns Life Molecular Imaging, a radiopharmaceutical business dedicated to developing and globally commercializing innovative molecular imaging agents for use in PET-CT diagnostics to detect specific diseases. Visit: About The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF is the only public charity solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. The ADDF's leadership and contributions to the field have played a pivotal role in bringing the first Alzheimer's PET scan (Amyvid®) and blood test (PrecivityAD®) to market, as well as fueling the current robust and diverse drug pipeline. Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $370 million to fund 765 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs, biomarker programs and clinical trials in 21 countries. To learn more, please visit: References 1. Nag S, Fazio P, Lehmann L, et al. In Vivo and In Vitro Characterization of a Novel MAO-B Inhibitor Radioligand, 18F-Labeled Deuterated Fluorodeprenyl. J Nucl Med. 2016;57(2):315-320. doi:10.2967/jnumed.115.161083 2. Ballweg A, Klaus C, Vogler L, et al. [18F]F-DED PET imaging of reactive astrogliosis in neurodegenerative diseases: preclinical proof of concept and first-in-human data. J Neuroinflammation. 2023;20(1):68. Published 2023 Mar 11. doi:10.1186/s12974-023-02749-2 For media queriesBrittany Hahn | Marketing Communications Manager | Life Molecular ImagingTel: +1.484.735.2840 | For scientific information, please contact: Dr. Gérard N Bischof, PD | Scientific Project Manager | LifeMolecular Imaging| View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Life Molecular Imaging Sign in to access your portfolio
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
MIRA Pharmaceuticals Announces Board Approval of SKNY Acquisition Reflecting $60+ Million in Combined Enterprise Value Based on Independent Review
With valuations confirmed by the board, MIRA advances strategic acquisition targeting obesity and nicotine dependence, which includes a $5 million contribution in cash or assets from SKNY to be transferred at closing. MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 8, 2025 / MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRA) ("MIRA" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for neurologic, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the planned acquisition of SKNY Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Merger"), following the completion of independent valuation reports on both companies. The Merger remains subject to MIRA and SKNY's shareholder approval. A third-party analysis conducted by Moore Financial Consulting ("Moore") assigned SKNY Pharmaceuticals an enterprise value of approximately $30.5 million, based on a risk-adjusted net present value (rNPV) of its lead compound, SKNY-1. MIRA was separately valued by Moore at $30 million, further validating the strength and synergy of the combined pipeline. As outlined in the previously announced binding letter of intent for the merger between MIRA and SKNY-1, upon the closing, SKNY must hold at least $5 million in cash or other assets, to be transferred at closing, and the Company is preparing a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to seek shareholder approval. As MIRA advances this merger, the combined enterprise value (based on Moore's valuations) of over $60 million represents a strong platform for expansion into high-value therapeutic markets. According to MIRA CEO Erez Aminov, the acquisition "brings together two pipelines, two market opportunities, and one unified strategy, developing targeted, first-in-class therapies for urgent public health needs." Targeting Major Markets with a Differentiated Mechanism SKNY-1 is being developed as a next-generation oral therapeutic designed to modulate CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, as well as monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B)-an enzyme involved in dopamine metabolism and addiction regulation. This multi-target mechanism is being evaluated for its potential to address both metabolic dysfunction and nicotine dependence, providing a differentiated therapeutic alternative in two of the most urgent health markets globally. The global weight loss drug market is projected to surpass $150 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for safer and more tolerable alternatives to GLP-1-based injectables (Source: Reuters).The U.S. smoking cessation market is projected to grow from $28.11 billion in 2024 to $50.90 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.4% (Source: Grand View Research). These are large, underserved markets with limited innovation, and MIRA's leadership believes the addition of SKNY-1 to the Company's pipeline enhances its ability to compete in both. Dr. Itzchak Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor at MIRA, noted that SKNY-1's pharmacological profile, particularly its combined activity on both MAO-B and cannabinoid receptors, makes it a unique and promising candidate for craving, addiction and metabolic conditions with a sound neurochemical basis. "From a scientific perspective, this is a rationally designed molecule that addresses the biological complexity of both obesity and addiction," said Dr. Angel. "The early data are promising, and I'm looking forward to advancing its development." Strategic Value for the Future With both companies independently valued by Moore at approximately $30 million, MIRA believes this transaction creates a platform with scale, differentiated science, and a pipeline built to target urgent unmet needs. The Company views this merger as a foundation for long-term growth and innovation. Additional information about MIRA Pharmaceuticals is available at Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release and the statements of MIRA's management related thereto contain "forward-looking statements," which are statements other than historical facts made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be identified by words such as "aims," "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goal," "intends," "may," "plans," "possible," "potential," "seeks," "will," and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be deemed forward-looking. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on MIRA's current expectations, estimates, and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond MIRA's control) that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including related to MIRA's potential merger with SKNY Pharmaceuticals, Inc. These and other risks concerning MIRA's programs and operations are described in additional detail in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other SEC filings, which are on file with the SEC at and MIRA's website at MIRA explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law. Contact Information Helga Moyainfo@ 432-9792 SOURCE: MIRA Pharmaceuticals
