Hedgehog Pathway Agonist
Also known as:
- Small molecule Hedgehog pathway agonist
- Agonists of Hedgehog signaling
- Hh pathway agonist
- Shh pathway agonist
Other Hedgehog terms:
- Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)
- Hedgehog (Hh)
- Sonic Hedgehog protein
- Hedgehog signaling pathway
- Hedgehog signal transduction
- Hedgehog signaling
Summary:
Curis Inc., has several small molecule agonists that may be able to treat
diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS).[1] These agonists, called small molecule Hedgehog pathway
agonists, would be used in activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Scientists
at Curis believe that when the hedgehog agonists activate the Hedgehog signaling
pathway, the result is neuroprotection.[2]
The Hedgehog signaling pathway regulates the normal development of the brain and
spinal cord. The small molecule Hedgehog pathway agonists can activate the
Hedgehog signaling pathway and promote nervous system repair. These Hedgehog
pathway agonists can be taken orally and can enter into the brain and spinal
cord.[3]
Potential benefits:
- Promotes repair of nervous system
- Restorative
- Neuroprotective
- Orally available
Obstacles:
- Not yet in clinical trials for humans
Research involving animals:
Animals treated with Sonic Hedgehog protein (Shh) showed significant
improvement in tests of movement, and preservation of brain tissue normally lost
with progression of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the animals that had been
previously treated with Shh and later received L-Dopa showed significantly
better improvement in movement than did non-Shh-treated controls.[4]
[1]
BiotechTracker: Curis Approaches the Starting Gate;
BioPortfolio, September 02, 2003
[2]
Hedgehog Small Molecule
Agonist Neurological Disorders Programs, Curis, Inc.
[3]
Press Release: Report of Hedgehog Pathway Efficacy in Preclinical Model of
Parkinson's Disease; Source: Curis, Inc.; Friday December 17, 8:30 am ET
[4] Sonic Hedgehog Reduces Behavioral Impairment in a Primate Model of Parkinson's
Disease
September 18, 2002 - Curis, Inc.
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