A small enzyme known as LRRK2 – named after the genes that encode it – appears to play an ubiquitous role in the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease, new research finds. The findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, indicate that the market for small molecule drugs designed to ‘tone down’ LRRK2 activity may be significantly greater than previously thought.
As discussed in a recent STAT article, one small but very capable biotech in particular is set to benefit from increasing interest in the LRRK2 pathway: Denali Therapeutics. The company is currently testing two LRRK2 inhibitors in parallel, with additional data set to be released in a matter of weeks. Following full PhI readouts, the company intends to select one molecule for further evaluation in PhII trials later this year.
Denali was co-founded by renowned neurologist & current President of Stanford University Marc Tessier-Lavigne, former head of neuroology research at Genentech Ryan Watts and other high profile scientists, executives and investors.
In addition to its LRRK2 program, the company boasts a potentially revolutionary technology platform for the design of highly brain-penetrant biologics (antibodies, enzymes and hybrids). We believe that Denali’s portfolio and technology platform position it for significant appreciation over the coming years.
Equity research outlining the investment opportunity in greater detail is available on my service, Second-Level Investing.
