Base to Base biotech podcast 56: GRIN genes and relapsing MS

This week, our conversations are with Bruce Leuchter, co-founder, president, CEO of Neurvati Neurosciences and GRIN Therapeutics; and Daniel Vitt, CEO of Immunic.Times:02:54 Immunic24:04 Neurvati Neurosciences/GRIN TherapeuticsGRIN TherapeuticsGRIN Therapeutics Inc. is dedicated to the research and development of precision therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders with the goal of bringing hope to patients and caregivers.In 2024, GRIN Therapeutics reported promising topline data from a phase 1b/2a clinical trial evaluating investigational radiprodil in GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN-NDD) in patients with gain-of-function variants, leading to the decision to advance to the global pivotal phase 3 Beeline trial.The company has an additional ongoing clinical trial to evaluate radiprodil for the potential treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII). GRIN Therapeutics is an affiliate of Neurvati Neurosciences.ImmunicImmunic Inc. is a late-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of novel oral therapies for neurologic diseases. The company’s lead development programme, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), is currently in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, for which top-line data is expected to be available by the end of 2026. It has already shown therapeutic activity in phase 2 clinical trials in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, progressive multiple sclerosis and other diseases. Vidofludimus calcium combines neuroprotective effects, through its mechanism as a first-in-class nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) activator, with additional anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, by selectively inhibiting the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH).The company’s development pipeline also includes earlier-stage programmes, including IMU-856 and IMU-381, aimed at building a broader therapeutics platform addressing neurodegenerative, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune-related diseases.To get in touch with guest suggestions, or to sponsor or advertise on the podcast, please email [email protected]