Important new receptors for Follicum’s lead candidate FOL-005 in hair follicle cells identified
Lund, Sweden, January 18, 2018. Follicum AB ("Follicum") today announced that new research has identified receptors in human hair follicle cells that its lead candidate FOL-005 binds to. The newly acquired knowledge paves the way for a better understanding of how FOL-005 can be used for treatment of hair loss, and a significant milestone in the continued development of FOL-005.
Investigation of mechanism of action
The research into FOL-005’s mechanism of action was conducted in collaboration with a specialized Swiss company (Dualsystems Biotech) and aimed to identify the proteins that FOL-005 binds to. Two different cell lines from human hair follicles were used and as a result several interesting receptors were identified. These will now be further mapped in detail in preclinical trials. Corresponding studies are also being conducted to identify receptors relevant for the company's separate diabetes project.
CEO Jan Alenfall comments
- The positive news that we have now identified exciting receptors for FOL-005 allows us to build a specific rational for how FOL-005 works. The information is also important for our understanding of whether FOL-005 can be used for other hair indications in the future, how other types of hair growth disorders such as hirsutism and how different types of hair loss can be treated. The new results are also very valuable for us in our ongoing discussions with both regulatory authorities and commercial partners.
About FOL-005
FOL-005 is a short and modified sequence of the human protein Osteopontin, a protein that has been suggested to play a role in hair growth. In several preclinical studies in a mouse model, treatment with FOL-005 has resulted in a dose-dependent increase in hair growth. The first clinical Phase I/IIa study with FOL-005 was completed during 2017 and showed that treatment with FOL-005 was safe and resulted in higher hair density, 8% increase at the best dose. Moreover, a high number of responders, 76%, were observed. Currently preparations for a Phase IIa study on Alopecia subjects are ongoing.
About DualSystems Biotech
Dualsystems Biotech is a provider of proteomics services for industry and academia. The LRC TriCEPS™ technology platform is designed to identify targets and off-targets in the cell membrane of living cells. The company was established in 2000 and is situated in Zurich, Switzerland.
For more information, please contact:
Jan Alenfall – CEO, Follicum AB
Phone: 046 - 19 21 97
E-post: info@follicum.com
This information is information that Follicum is obliged to make public according to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was provided through the agency of the contact persons above, for publication on January 18, 2018.
About Follicum AB
Follicum is a biotech company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based drugs. The primary focus is in hair growth stimulation, where Follicum has obtained very promising results with FOL-005 in a recently completed clinical trial. In diabetes, the drug candidate FOL-014 has demonstrated an increase in insulin release in pre-clinical models. The company was founded in 2011, and is based in Lund, Sweden. Follicum is listed on the Swedish small cap exchange Aktietorget since 2014. www.follicum.com
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