Muna Therapeutics Announces Positive Phase 1 Results for Oral TREM2 Modulator in Alzheimer’s Disease
Copenhagen (Denmark) – Golgi Neurosciences congratulates portfolio company Muna Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, on the announcement of positive Phase 1 results for its lead program, MNA-001, an oral small-molecule modulator of TREM2 being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Phase 1 study demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability, excellent central nervous system exposure, and dose-dependent target engagement in both younger and elderly healthy volunteers, supporting the continued clinical development of MNA-001.
Importantly, exploratory analyses showed that repeated dosing of MNA-001 shifted age-associated biomarkers of microglial activity, innate immune function, and neuronal stress in elderly participants toward levels observed in younger healthy volunteers. These findings provide early evidence of downstream biological activity in humans and further support the therapeutic potential of TREM2 activation in Alzheimer’s disease.
MNA-001 is designed to activate TREM2 (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2), a key regulator of microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells. By enhancing protective microglial responses, MNA-001 aims to address mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and disease progression in Alzheimer’s disease.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial reported no serious adverse events or discontinuations due to adverse events. The program also demonstrated dose-dependent target engagement and pharmacokinetic properties supportive of once-daily oral administration.
Based on these encouraging results, Muna Therapeutics plans to initiate a Phase 2 placebo-controlled study in early 2027 to further evaluate the efficacy and potential clinical benefit of MNA-001 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 55 million people worldwide and remains one of the largest unmet medical needs in healthcare. Novel approaches targeting neuroinflammation and microglial dysfunction are increasingly recognized as promising strategies for modifying disease progression.
Golgi Neurosciences is proud to support Muna Therapeutics as it advances innovative therapies with the potential to transform the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and improve outcomes for patients and their families.
For more information see Muna Therapeutics’ web page and Golgi Neurosciences’ Linkedin Page.
