Advancing the Promising Cerebroprotectant AST-004 to Human Clinical Trials

Project Summary

Astrocyte has developed AST-004, a promising therapeutic for TBI. AST-004 has significant efficacy across a broad range of preclinical TBI models, demonstrating reductions in cell death, edema, and markers of neuronal and astrocyte injury. In a repetitive TBI mouse model, our treatment approach reduced long-term neurological deficits in motor coordination and anxiety. Importantly, AST-004 reduced edema and brain injury markers in a large animal porcine TBI model. AST-004 has shown preliminary efficacy in AD with increased brain cell viability in two AD mouse models. Thus, this support from the BrightFocus Foundation and MTEC can significantly accelerate the development of this novel and promising therapy for mild and severe TBIs that can limit the short and long-term negative effects associated with TBIs. If successful in protecting the human brain after TBI, the treatment will also be assessed for the potential to protect the degenerating brain in AD patients.