NEW YORK – NeuroSense Therapeutics and healthcare manufacturer Lonza announced on Tuesday a collaboration to identify exosome-based biomarkers for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, beginning with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Under the agreement, NeuroSense will pair its experience in biomarker utilization in neurodegenerative diseases with Lonza's extracellular vesicle expertise via its Dev-on-Demand service. Lonza will develop and optimize a method for measuring biomarkers from neuron-derived exosomes, which the parnters will integrate into the development of PrimeC, NeuroSense's lead ALS drug candidate.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
"Our Dev-on-Demand solution provides NeuroSense with access to expert scientists working in state-of-the-art laboratories for their development activities," Davide Zocco, head of exosomes development at Lonza, said in a statement.
Basel, Switzerland-based Lonza began adding exosome technologies to its portfolio with the acquisition of HansaBioMed Life Sciences in 2017. It later expanded its exosome offerings with the acquisition of the service unit of Exosomics in 2019.
"We believe this collaboration could be a game-changer for the ALS and neurodegeneration field, as findings in such biomarkers may advance early diagnosis and treatment, as well as expedite the regulatory pathway for new treatments for the millions of people who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases," NeuroSense CEO Alon Ben-Noon said in a statement.