This page catalogs biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing therapies that target astrocytes in Parkinson's disease. Astrocytes are increasingly recognized as critical players in neurodegeneration — they provide metabolic support to neurons, maintain synaptic homeostasis, and respond to neuroinflammation by adopting either protective (A2) or toxic (A1) phenotypes.
Research by Liddelow et al. (2017) established that activated microglia release pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, TNFα, C1q) that convert astrocytes to a toxic "A1" phenotype. A1 astrocytes:
This pathway is particularly relevant to Parkinson's disease, where neuroinflammation drives dopaminergic neuron loss.
Focus: GLP-1 receptor agonism → Astrocyte modulation
Drug: NLY01
Mechanism: Neuraly's NLY01 is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that blocks the conversion of astrocytes to the toxic A1 phenotype. It targets the pathological communication between microglia and astrocytes:
Stage: Phase 2 (NCT05024240)
Website: neuraly.io
Cross-References:
Focus: Selective TNFα inhibition → Astrocyte phenotype modulation
Drug: XPro1595
Mechanism: INmune Bio's XPro1595 is a dominant-negative inhibitor of soluble TNFα. By selectively blocking soluble TNFα (while preserving membrane-bound TNF), XPro1595 prevents TNFα-induced conversion of astrocytes to the toxic A1 phenotype. This preserves astrocyte supportive functions including:
Stage: Phase 2 (NCT04472052 for PD)
Website: inmunebio.com
Cross-References:
Focus: Cell-based therapy → Astrocyte support
Product: NTCELL
Mechanism: LCT's NTCELL uses encapsulated porcine choroid plexus cells that are implanted into the brain. The choroid plexus produces cerebrospinal fluid and contains cells that:
Stage: Phase 2b (planning)
Website: lctglobal.com
Cross-References:
Focus: PEGylated neurotrophic factors → Astrocyte function support
Programs:
Mechanism: PharmaEssentia uses PEGylation technology to enhance the brain penetration of neurotrophic factors. GDNF and BDNF support astrocyte function and astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling:
Stage: Preclinical
Website: pharmaessentia.com
Cross-References:
Focus: MSC-NTF cell therapy → Astrocyte support
Product: NurOwn (MSC-NTF cells)
Mechanism: BrainStorm's NurOwn uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are engineered to secrete elevated levels of neurotrophic factors, including:
These factors support astrocyte function and promote neuroprotection.
Stage: Phase 3 (ALS), Phase 2 (PD, preclinical)
Website: brainstorm-cell.com
Cross-References:
Several companies are targeting astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling, a pathway where astrocytes provide lactate and other metabolic substrates to neurons:
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a key astrocyte marker and is being explored as a:
Emerging approaches seek to directly reprogram astrocytes to a protective phenotype:
| Company | Drug/Product | Mechanism | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuraly | NLY01 | GLP-1R agonist → A1 blockade | Phase 2 |
| INmune Bio | XPro1595 | Anti-sTNFα → A1 prevention | Phase 2 |
| LCT | NTCELL | Cell therapy → Trophic support | Phase 2b |
| PharmaEssentia | PEG-GDNF/BDNF | Neurotrophic factors | Preclinical |
| BrainStorm | NurOwn | MSC-NTF cells | Phase 2/3 |
| Company | Approach | Stage | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytozin | Astrocyte modulation | Preclinical | Metabolic enhancement (lactate shuttle) |
| Aspa Neuroscience | Gene therapy | Discovery | GFAP promoter → neurotrophic factor delivery |
| BrainVectis | AAV delivery | Preclinical | Astrocyte transduction |
| GliaGen Pharma | GFAP modulation | Preclinical | Reactive astrocyte normalization |
These emerging companies represent the expanding therapeutic landscape targeting astrocyte dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.