I Physiological Functions of Biased Signaling at the Chemokine

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

I Physiological Functions of Biased Signaling at the Chemokine Physiological Functions of Biased Signaling at the Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 by Jeffrey Scott Smith Department of Biochemistry Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Sudarshan Rajagopal, Supervisor ___________________________ Robert J. Lefkowitz ___________________________ Margarethe J. Kuehn ___________________________ Terrence G. Oas ___________________________ Russell P. Hall III Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biochemistry in the Graduate School of Duke University 2018 i v ABSTRACT Physiological Functions of Biased Signaling at the Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 by Jeffrey Scott Smith Department of Biochemistry Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Sudarshan Rajagopal, Supervisor ___________________________ Robert J. Lefkowitz ___________________________ Margarethe J. Kuehn ___________________________ Terrence G. Oas ___________________________ Russell P. Hall III An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biochemistry in the Graduate School of Duke University 2018 i v Copyright by Jeffrey Scott Smith 2018 Abstract G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of receptors in the human genome and one of the most common drug targets. It is now well-established that GPCRs can signal through multiple transducers, including heterotrimeric G proteins, G protein receptor kinases, and beta-arrestins. Certain ligands can preferentially activate certain signaling cascades while inhibiting others, a phenomenon referred to as biased signaling. While biased signaling is observed in many ex-vivo assays, the physiological relevance of biased signaling is not well established. Using the chemokine receptor CXCR3, a receptor that regulates T cell function, and its endogenous chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, I established that endogenous biased signaling exists at CXCR3. After identifying small molecule biased CXCR3 agonists using cell-based assays, I utilized human samples and mouse models of T cell movement and inflammation to determine that differential activation of either the G protein or beta-arrestin signaling pathways downstream of CXCR3 produces distinct functional differences. I identified that beta-arrestin regulated-Akt signaling appears critical for full efficacy chemotaxis. I conclude that biased signaling at CXCR3 produces distinct physiological responses. iv Dedication To my mother and father, Elaine G. Chapman and Richard D. Smith, for their boundless support and love. v Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ........................................................................................................................... xi List of Figures ......................................................................................................................... xii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... xv 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview of G protein Coupled Receptors ............................................................... 1 1.2 Overview of beta-arrestins .......................................................................................... 3 1.2.1 Beta-arrestin signaling roles ................................................................................... 3 1.3 A primer on biased signaling ...................................................................................... 4 1.3.1 The ternary complex: a validated model for assessing GPCR signaling ............ 5 1.3.2 Modifying components of a ternary complex can bias signaling........................ 7 1.3.3 Transmission of ligand bias ................................................................................. 10 1.4 Phosphorylation ‘bar codes’ and human disease ................................................... 11 1.5 Structural basis of biased agonism ........................................................................... 13 1.6 Emerging strategies for determining GPCR structure ............................................ 16 1.7 Beta-arrestins .............................................................................................................. 19 1.7.1 Distinct and Overlapping Roles for the beta-arrestins ....................................... 21 1.7.2 Beta-arrestin post-translational modifications .................................................... 22 1.7.3 Beta-arrestin-regulated Desensitization .............................................................. 23 1.7.4 Beta-arrestin-regulated Receptor Trafficking ..................................................... 25 vi 1.7.5 Beta-arrestin-regulated receptor signaling ......................................................... 27 1.7.6 Beta-arrestin-biased agonism ............................................................................... 29 1.7.7 The signaling barcode: A model for allosteric regulation of beta-arrestins ..... 32 1.7.8 Signal transduction to effectors ........................................................................... 33 2. Quantifying Bias ................................................................................................................ 34 2.1 Historical context of quantifying receptor signalling ............................................. 34 2.1.1 Assays for detecting G protein and beta-arrestin signaling .............................. 35 2.1.2 Identifying Biased Ligands Qualitative assessment ........................................... 40 2.2 Translating in vitro bias into in vivo utility ............................................................. 42 2.3 Biased Signaling at Chemokine Receptors ............................................................... 45 3. CXCR3 splice variants differentially activate beta-arrestins to regulate downstream signaling pathways ................................................................................................................ 46 3.1 CXCR3 receptor splice variants ................................................................................ 46 3.2 CXCR3B is beta-arrestin-biased compared to CXCR3A ......................................... 48 3.3 Both CXCR3A and CXCR3B undergo agonist-dependent phosphorylation ........ 54 3.4 Activation of CXCR3A and B generate distinct patterns of beta-arrestin recruitment and conformation ....................................................................................... 55 3.5 CXCR3 splice variants differentially internalize ..................................................... 60 3.6 C-terminus truncation and GRK knockdown reduce beta-arrestin-2 recruitment63 3.7 CXCL11 activates ERK 1/2 at both CXCR3A and CXCR3B .................................... 64 3.8 CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of beta-arrestins differentially affects CXCR3 splice variants ............................................................................................................................. 67 3.9 Differential transcriptional regulation by CXCR3 splice variants ......................... 72 vii 3.10 Discussion of CXCR3 splice variants ...................................................................... 74 3.11 Summary of differences between CXCR3 splice variants ..................................... 78 4. CXCR3 in Physiology and Disease ................................................................................... 79 4.1 Introduction to physiological processes regulated by CXCR3 ............................... 79 4.2 Allergic contact dermatitis: a disease model for CXCR3 signaling ........................ 82 4.2.1 Summary of allergic contact dermatitis .............................................................. 83 4.2.2 Hapten activation of the adaptive immune system initiates allergic contact dermatitis ....................................................................................................................... 84 4.2.3 T cells are critical regulators of allergic contact dermatitis ................................ 86 4.2.4 The chemokine receptor system as a therapeutic target for allergic contact dermatitis ....................................................................................................................... 88 4.2.5 CXCR3 signaling in patients with allergic contact dermatitis ........................... 90 4.2.6 CXCR3 signaling in murine models of allergic contact dermatitis ................... 91 5. Biased CXCR3 agonists differentially control chemotaxis and inflammation .............. 91 5.1 Identification of CXCR3 Biased Agonists ................................................................ 92 5.2 A CXCR3 beta-arrestin-biased agonist potentiates T cell-mediated inflammation and chemotaxis ................................................................................................................ 96 5.3 Patients positive for contact hypersensitivity coexpress CXCR3 and beta-arrestin in T cells in the skin ....................................................................................................... 107 5.4 beta-arrestins activate Akt and regulate T cell chemotaxis. ................................
Recommended publications
  • 058574-2018-CPDD-Program-Final
    Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel Map BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alan J. Budney, PhD, President Sarah H. Heil, PhD Leonard Howell, PhD, Past-President Amy C. Janes, PhD Margaret Haney, PhD, President-Elect Geoffrey K. Mumford, PhD Jack Bergman, PhD, Treasurer Thomas E. Prisinzano, PhD Sandra D. Comer, PhD, Public Policy Officer Beatriz Rocha, MD, PhD Patrick M. Beardsley, PhD Stacey C. Sigmon, PhD Kathleen M. Carroll, PhD Mark A. Smith, PhD Marilyn E. Carroll, PhD William Stoops, PhD Howard D. Chilcoat, ScD Jennifer Tidey, PhD Timothy P. Condon, PhD Elise Weerts, PhD EXECUTIVE OFFICER Loretta P. Finnegan, MD DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE OFFICE Ellen B. Geller, MA SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE William W. Stoops, PhD, Chair Elise Weerts, PhD, Past-Chair Howard Chilcoat, ScD Danielle E. Ramo, PhD Theresa Franklin, PhD Sterling McPherson, PhD Kevin B. Freeman, PhD Gregory Collins, PhD Cassie Gipson-Reichardt, PhD Jillian Hardee, PhD Stephen Kohut, PhD Maria Parker, PhD, M.P.H. Loretta P. Finnegan, MD ex officio Ellen B. Geller, MA ex officio Save AsSave AsWord Word Doc Saturday, June 9, 2018 ISGIDAR Sapphire LP 8:00 - 5:00 PM NIDA INTERNATIONAL FORUM Sapphire DH 8:30 - 5:00 PM (PRE-REGISTRANTS ONLY) NIDA GRANT-WRITING Aqua C 1:00 - 5:00 PM REGISTRATION Sapphire NW Foyer 1:30 - 5:30 PM OPENING RECEPTION Promenade Plaza 7:00 - 9:00 PM Sunday, June 10, 2018 PLENARY PROGRAM Indigo BCFG 8:30 - 11:00 AM 8:30 Welcome CPDD President Alan J. Budney 8:45 Celebrating the 80th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Committee/College on Problems of Drug Dependence Loretta P.
    [Show full text]
  • Breaking Barriers to Novel Analgesic Drug Development
    REVIEWS Breaking barriers to novel analgesic drug development Ajay S. Yekkirala1–3, David P. Roberson1–3, Bruce P. Bean1 and Clifford J. Woolf1,2 Abstract | Acute and chronic pain complaints, although common, are generally poorly served by existing therapies. This unmet clinical need reflects a failure to develop novel classes of analgesics with superior efficacy, diminished adverse effects and a lower abuse liability than those currently available. Reasons for this include the heterogeneity of clinical pain conditions, the complexity and diversity of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and the unreliability of some preclinical pain models. However, recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of pain are beginning to offer opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies and revisiting existing targets, including modulating ion channels, enzymes and G-protein-coupled receptors. Pain is the primary reason why people seek medical blockbuster model of one treatment for all pain condi- Analgesics 12 Pharmacological agents or care: more than 40% of the US population is affected tions is not tenable . The poor predictability of preclin- 1 ligands that produce analgesia. by chronic pain . In the United States alone in 2013, the ical ‘pain’ models can result in candidates being selected overall cost of treating certain chronic pain conditions that do not have activity in the conditions suffered by Tolerance amounted to more than US$130 billion2. Currently avail- patients13 (BOX 1). Conversely, difficulty in ensuring A state in which the drug no analgesics longer produces the same able — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs target engagement, lack of sensitivity of clinical trials effect and a higher dose is (NSAIDs), amine reuptake inhibitors, anti epileptic and distortions induced by placebos increase the risk therefore needed.
    [Show full text]
  • Biased Agonism at Μ-Opioid Receptor
    Biased Agonism at µ-Opioid Receptor The Quest for Safer Analgesics Fabian August Line Project Thesis at the Faculty of Medicine UNIVERSITY OF OSLO 24.03.19 I II Biased agonism at µ-opioid receptor The Quest for Safer Analgesics Analgesic effect of µ-Opioid receptor stimulation is related to the G-protein, while the respiratory suppression is related to β-arrestin recruitment.(Schmid et al., 2017) Fabian August Line III IV Copyright Fabian A. Line 2019 Biased Agonism at µ-Opioid Receptor – The Quest for Safer Analgesics Fabian A. Line http://www.duo.uio.no Trykk: Reprosentralen, Universitetet i Oslo V VI Abstract Opioids are our most potent antinociceptive drugs, but their use is limited by adverse effects. Among the adverse effects are addiction, constipation and respiratory depression. In this thesis I review the current literature on biased µ-opioid receptor agonists and their potential for providing safer analgesia. Biased agonists activate one signaling effector over another. Among G-protein-coupled receptors, biased agonism is often used to denote an agonist that activates either G-protein-dependent signaling or β-arrestin-dependent signaling (G-protein-independent signaling). For the μ-opioid receptor, an agonist that activate the G-protein without recruiting β-arrestin-2 has been proposed to cause less respiratory depression, less addiction, less tolerance, less constipation and less opioid induced hyperalgesia. From the available literature I found substantial evidence for less respiratory depression by biased µ-opioid receptor agonists relative to classical opioids, while the data regarding constipation, addiction, tolerance and opioid induced hyperalgesia was less clear.
    [Show full text]
  • Improving Translation of Animal Models of Addiction and Relapse by Reverse Translation
    REVIEWS Improving translation of animal models of addiction and relapse by reverse translation Marco Venniro 1 ✉ , Matthew L. Banks 2, Markus Heilig 3, David H. Epstein1 and Yavin Shaham 1 ✉ Abstract | Critical features of human addiction are increasingly being incorporated into complementary animal models, including escalation of drug intake, punished drug seeking and taking, intermittent drug access, choice between drug and non-drug rewards, and assessment of individual differences based on criteria in the fourth edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Combined with new technologies, these models advanced our understanding of brain mechanisms of drug self-administration and relapse, but these mechanistic gains have not led to improvements in addiction treatment. This problem is not unique to addiction neuroscience, but it is an increasing source of disappointment and calls to regroup. Here we first summarize behavioural and neurobiological results from the animal models mentioned above. We then propose a reverse translational approach, whose goal is to develop models that mimic successful treatments: opioid agonist maintenance, contingency management and the community-reinforcement approach. These reverse-translated ‘treatments’ may provide an ecologically relevant platform from which to discover new circuits, test new medications and improve translation. Relapse Drug addiction consists of different phases, begin- However, the combination of these traditional Resumption of drug- taking ning when non- problematic (recreational) use esca- models with modern neuroscience technologies, behaviour during self- imposed lates to compulsive and/or problematic use and then including optogenetics and chemogenetics, has not (voluntary) or forced abstinence cycles through periods of abstinence (withdrawal), and changed the options available to people who present for in humans and laboratory relapse1–3 (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • The Identification and Pharmacological Characterisation of Novel Apelin Receptor Agonists in Vitro and in Vivo
    The Identification and Pharmacological Characterisation of Novel Apelin Receptor Agonists In Vitro and In Vivo by Cai Read Jesus College Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics Research Supervisor: Dr Anthony P. Davenport August 2018 This dissertation is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy This dissertation is the result of my own work and includes nothing which is the outcome of work done in collaboration except as declared in the Preface and specified in the text. It is not substantially the same as any that I have submitted, or, is being concurrently submitted for a degree or diploma or other qualification at the University of Cambridge or any other University or similar institution except as declared in the Preface and specified in the text. I further state that no substantial part of my dissertation has already been submitted, or, is being concurrently submitted for any such degree, diploma or other qualification at the University of Cambridge or any other University or similar institution except as declared in the Preface and specified in the text The length of this dissertation does not exceed 60,000 words. Table of Contents Acknowledgements .................................................................................................... i Publications ............................................................................................................... ii Presentations ............................................................................................................ iii Abstract ....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Trevena Announces NIH Has Resumed Recruiting Patients in Proof-Of-Concept Study for TRV734 in Opioid Use Disorder
    June 16, 2021 Trevena Announces NIH Has Resumed Recruiting Patients in Proof-of-Concept Study for TRV734 in Opioid Use Disorder -- TRV734 reduced drug-seeking behavior in a preclinical model of relapse, suggesting its utility as a novel oral maintenance treatment for opioid use disorder The study is being conducted and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the NIH -- CHESTERBROOK, Pa., June 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trevena, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRVN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines for patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced that NIDA has resumed recruiting patients for its proof-of-concept study for TRV734, the Company’s novel mu-opioid receptor selective agonist. The Company has an ongoing collaboration with NIDA to evaluate TRV734 as a potential maintenance therapy for opioid use disorder (OUD). The study was paused in March 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. “Opioid use disorder remains an urgent public health issue – even as COVID-19 remains front of mind. It is important that the development of effective treatments for patients with opioid addiction continues,” said Carrie Bourdow, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trevena, Inc. “NIDA’s resumption of their study for TRV734, which may offer an effective treatment option with improved tolerability compared to current standard of care, underscores the unmet need for treatments for OUD. With this collaboration, we continue to build upon a robust partnership with NIH to explore several of our pipeline assets.” The NIDA study of TRV734 marks the third investigational drug product within Trevena’s pipeline being researched by the NIH.
    [Show full text]
  • G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Structure- and Function-Based Drug Discovery
    Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy www.nature.com/sigtrans REVIEW ARTICLE OPEN G protein-coupled receptors: structure- and function-based drug discovery Dehua Yang1,2, Qingtong Zhou3, Viktorija Labroska1,4, Shanshan Qin5, Sanaz Darbalaei1,4, Yiran Wu5, Elita Yuliantie1,4, Linshan Xie5,6, Houchao Tao5, Jianjun Cheng5, Qing Liu1,2, Suwen Zhao5,6, Wenqing Shui5,6, Yi Jiang2 and Ming-Wei Wang 1,2,3,4,6,7 As one of the most successful therapeutic target families, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have experienced a transformation from random ligand screening to knowledge-driven drug design. We are eye-witnessing tremendous progresses made recently in the understanding of their structure–function relationships that facilitated drug development at an unprecedented pace. This article intends to provide a comprehensive overview of this important field to a broader readership that shares some common interests in drug discovery. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2021); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-020-00435-w6:7 INTRODUCTION opportunities for structure-based drug design (SBDD).11 Pharma- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest protein cological parameters such as cAMP accumulation, calcium flux, ERK 1234567890();,: family encoded by the human genome. Located on the cell phosphorylation, arrestin recruitment, and G protein interac- membrane, they transduce extracellular signals into key physiolo- tion,12,13 are commonly used to evaluate ligand action and biased gical effects.1 Their endogenous ligands include odors, hormones, signaling. Ligand-binding kinetics and signaling timing render neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc., varying from photons, amines, another dimension for interpreting signal bias profiles and link carbohydrates, lipids, peptides to proteins.
    [Show full text]
  • The Trevena Team Continues to Be Guided by an Unwavering Comm
    LETTER TO STOCKHOLDERS Dear Fellow Stockholders: The Trevena team continues to be guided by an unwavering commitment to patients, especially in the face of new challenges the COVID‐19 global pandemic has introduced for businesses around the world. I am proud that we have remained focused and committed to developing innovative new medicines to address critical areas of need for central nervous system disorders. We are fortunate to be developing four differentiated drug candidates that have the potential to harness new mechanisms of action to improve patients’ lives. We are optimistic and confident in the approval of oliceridine, our lead product for the management of moderate‐to‐severe acute pain in a hospital setting. In 2019, we successfully completed the healthy volunteer QT study and addressed the items identified in the FDA’s complete response letter. On February 10, 2020, we resubmitted our new drug application and quickly received acknowledgment from FDA that the resubmission was a complete response to their action letter. FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date of August 7, 2020 and we continue to prepare for approval to ensure oliceridine will be available for patients and healthcare providers later this year. Ultimately, we believe that oliceridine, once approved, will be a valuable new IV analgesic in the acute pain treatment landscape. Our other pipeline assets also reached significant milestones in 2019. We initiated a proof‐of‐concept study evaluating TRV250 for the treatment of acute migraine and associated anxiety. We also initiated a proof‐of‐ concept study sponsored and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to explore the use of TRV734 as a potential treatment option for opioid use disorder.
    [Show full text]
  • Hot Topics in Opioid Pharmacology: Mixed and Biased Opioids Ammar A
    British Journal of Anaesthesia, 122 (6): e136ee145 (2019) doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.03.006 Advance Access Publication Date: 19 April 2019 Review Article Hot topics in opioid pharmacology: mixed and biased opioids Ammar A. H. Azzam, John McDonald and David G. Lambert* Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Summary Analgesic design and evaluation have been driven by the desire to create high-affinity high-selectivity mu (m)-opioid peptide (MOP) receptor agonists. Such ligands are the mainstay of current clinical practice, and include morphine and fentanyl. Advances in this sphere have come from designing pharmacokinetic advantage, as in rapid metabolism for remifentanil. These produce analgesia, but also the adverse-effect profile that currently defines this drug class: venti- latory depression, tolerance, and abuse liability. The MOP receptor is part of a family, and there are significant functional interactions between other members of the family (delta [d]-opioid peptide [DOP], kappa [k]-opioid peptide [KOP], and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor [NOP]). Experimentally, MOP agonism and DOP antagonism produce anti-nociception (animals) with no tolerance, and low doses of MOP and NOP ligands synergise to antinociceptive advantage. In this latter context, the lack of effect of NOP agonists on ventilation is an additional advantage. Recent development has been to move towards low-selectivity multifunctional ‘mixed ligands’, such as cebranopadol, or ligand mixtures, such as Tar- ginact®. Moreover, the observation that b-arrestin coupling underlies the side-effect profile for MOP ligands (from knockout animal studies) led to the discovery of biased (to G-protein and away from b-arrestin intracellular signalling) MOP ligands, such as oliceridine.
    [Show full text]
  • 2018 CPDD Program Edited.Pdf
    CPDD Program Save As Word Doc Saturday, June 9, 2018 ISGIDAR Sapphire LP 8:00 - 5:00 PM NIDA INTERNATIONAL FORUM Sapphire DH 8:30 - 5:00 PM (PRE-REGISTRANTS ONLY) Aqua C NIDA GRANT-WRITING 1:00 - 5:00 PM REGISTRATION Sapphire NW Foyer 1:30 - 5:30 PM OPENING RECEPTION Promenade Plaza 7:00 - 9:00 PM Sunday, June 10, 2018 PLENARY PROGRAM Indigo BCFG 8:30 - 11:00 AM 8:30 Welcome 8:40 CPDD President Alan Budney 8:45 Celebrating the 80th Annual Scientific Meeting of The Committee/College on Problems of Drug Dependence 9:00 CPDD Executive Officer, Loretta P. Finnegan 9:15 Presentation of the Stephen G. Holtzman Travel Award for Preclinical Investigators to Lais Berro 9:18 Introduction by Alan J. Budney 9:21 Presentation of the CPDD/NIDA Media Award to Maia Szalavitz 9:26 Introduction by Meg Chisolm 9:36 Presentation of the Martin & Toby Adler Distinguished Service Award to Bertha Madras https://www.xcdsystem.com/cpdd/printedprogram/program2018.cfm[5/16/18, 2:28:50 PM] CPDD Program 9:39 Introduction by Loretta Finnegan 9:42 Presentation of the J. Michael Morrison Award to Ivan D. Montoya 9:45 Introduction by Francis Levin 9:48 Presentation of the Joseph Cochin Young Investigator Award to Kelly Dunn 9:51 Introduction by Maxine Stitzer 9:54 Presentation of the Mentorship Award to Leonard Howell 9:57 Introduction by Lais Berro 10:00 Presentation of the Innovator Award to Thomas Prisinzano 10:05 Introduction by Christopher Cunningham 10:10 Presentation of the Nathan B.
    [Show full text]
  • National Research Report Template
    Biotechnology Trevena, Inc November 9, 2016 BUY (TRVN, $4.05) Jonathan Aschoff, Ph.D. 212.417.8277 1Q17 Brings Phase 3 Results for Oliceridine – Novel, Potent & [email protected] Safe in Post-Operative Pain: Initiating BUY/$13 TP We are initiating coverage of Trevena, Inc. with a Buy rating and a 12-month target price of $13. Oliceridine is Trevena’s leading drug, in development for post-operative pain, and we believe it has the potential to deliver at least as much pain control as an opioid but with less severe adverse effects. Oliceridine can provide more pain relief than a standard 4mg dose of morphine, as well as have a faster onset of action, as shown in Phase 2 bunionectomy and abdominoplasty trials, yet have a superior safety profile. In 1Q16, Trevena received Breakthrough Therapy designation for oliceridine, the only such designation granted to a pain drug, most likely predominantly due to its differentiated safety profile. The key near term investment catalyst for Trevena is release of Phase 3 results in 1Q17, and we expect no risk to this timeline given the robust enrollment. We project oliceridine to launch in 2018 in the US and 2019 in the EU and to generate almost $500 million in global sales at peak. Trevena ended 3Q16 with cash of $120 million, which should support operations into 2018, comfortably beyond our projected 1Q17 Phase 3 value creation event. With so many drugs and drug cocktails used for post-operative pain, comparative data is crucial for a drug's differentiation, and in our view Trevena should be able to show enough differentiation versus morphine to convince the FDA to allow such data to be in the drug’s label.
    [Show full text]
  • 2018 Medicines in Development for Neurological Disorders a Report on Disorders of the Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerves
    2018 Medicines in Development for Neurological Disorders A Report on Disorders of the Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerves Alzheimer's Disease Drug Name Sponsor Indication Phase of Development ABBV-8E12 AbbVie Alzheimer's disease Phase II (anti-tau antibody) North Chicago, IL (see also other) www.abbvie.com AC-1204 Accera mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease Phase III (glucose stimulant) Boulder, CO www.accerapharma.com ACI-24 AC Immune Alzheimer's disease Phase I (anti-Abeta vaccine) Lausanne, Switzerland www.acimmune.com ACI-35 AC Immune Alzheimer's disease Phase I (anti-pTau vaccine) Lausanne, Switzerland www.acimmune.com Janssen Pharmaceuticals www.janssen.com Raritan, NJ aducanumab (BIIB037) Biogen Alzheimer's disease (Fast Track) Phase III (amyloid beta mAb) Cambridge, MA www.biogen.com Eisai Woodcliff Lake, NJ AGB101 AgeneBio amnestic mild cognitive impairment Phase II completed (levetiracetam low-dose) Baltimore, MD in Alzheimer's disease www.agenebio.com Medicines in Development: Neurological Disorders ǀ 2018 1 Alzheimer's Disease Drug Name Sponsor Indication Phase of Development ALZ-801 Alzheon mild Alzheimer's disease (Fast Track) Phase II (amyloid beta-protein inhibitor) Framingham, MA (homozygous APOE4/4 genotype) www.alzheon.com mild Alzheimer's disease Phase II (heterozygous APOE4 genotype) www.alzheon.com ALZT-OP1 AZTherapies Alzheimer's disease Phase III (amyloid beta-protein inhibitor/ Boston, MA www.aztherapies.com inflammation mediator inhibitor) AMG520 (CNP520) Amgen Alzheimer's disease (Fast Track) Phase II/III (BACE1 protein
    [Show full text]