Asceneuron
Clinical-stage biotechnology company developing small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
Notes
Asceneuron is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, with a primary focus on Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The company's lead drug candidate, ASN51, is an O-GlcNAcase (OGA) inhibitor designed to prevent tau protein aggregation in the brain.
Tau protein aggregation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions known as tauopathies. By inhibiting OGA, Asceneuron aims to increase O-GlcNAcylation of tau protein, which may prevent its pathological aggregation and protect neurons from degeneration.
The company raised $100 million in Series C funding in July 2024, led by Novo Holdings, to support Phase 2 clinical trials of ASN51. Asceneuron's approach represents a novel mechanism for addressing the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease.
Team
- Dirk Beher, Ph.D. - Chief Executive Officer
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dirkbeher
- Ricardo Bhargava - Chief Operating Officer
- Simon Noble, Ph.D. - Chief Scientific Officer
Additional Research Findings
- Raised $100 million Series C (July 2024)
- Led by Novo Holdings
- Lead candidate ASN51 (OGA inhibitor)
- Focus on tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease
- O-GlcNAcase inhibitor technology
- Lausanne, Switzerland headquarters
- Phase 2 clinical trials ongoing
- Founded 2012
Sources
Investors
| Name | Location | Type | Stages | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novo Holdings | Hellerup, Denmark | biotech-focused | seedseries-a+3 | 13 |