STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – October 17, 2024. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announces that its portfolio company Umecrine Cognition will present new preclinical data on golexanolone, showing retained dopamine signalling in Parkinson’s disease, at the 10^th International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland, US, during October 21-23.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease hallmarked by motor symptoms and disrupted cognitive functions as well as mental health. The disorder is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce the signaling substance dopamine, which leads to various symptoms reducing the patient’s well-being and quality of life.

The results from the preclinical study that will be presented at INBC 2024 showed that treatment with Umecrine Cognitions’ clinical drug candidate golexanolone significantly reduced the decrease of a dopamine-producing enzyme in the brain and returned dopamine to normal levels. The study also showed that an early onset of treatment generated sustained effects, indicating a potential for reduced symptomatic progression. These results support previous findings of improved motor coordination and non-motor behavior. Based on the preclinical results, Umecrine Cognition will evaluate the possibilities of establishing a clinical program of golexanolone in Parkinson’s disease alongside its ongoing phase 2 trial in primary biliary cholangitis, PBC.

“We are delighted that our portfolio company Umecrine Cognition is now able to present supportive data on its drug candidate golexanolone as a treatment that offers sustained effects on both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Importantly, the new research findings also indicate that golexanolone has a great potential to alter disease progression and behavioral impairments, two features that are highly sought after by the many individuals living with the disease,” says Viktor Drvota, CEO of Karolinska Development.

The results will be presented by Umecrine Cognition’s Chief Scientific Officer Magnus Doverskog at the scientific session “Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases” on October 21, 2024.

Karolinska Development's ownership in Umecrine Cognition amounts to 73%.

For further information, please contact:

Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com 

Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

TO THE EDITORS

About Karolinska Development AB

Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patient’s lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

The company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.