NPT088 reduces both amyloid-β and tau pathologies in transgenic mice

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by appearance of both extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, comprised of aggregates of misfolded amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyper-phosphorylated tau, respectively. In a previous study, we demonstrated that g3p, a capsid protein from bacteriophage M13, binds to and remodels misfolded aggregates of proteins that assume an amyloid conformation. We engineered a fusion protein (“NPT088”) consisting of the active fragment of g3p and human-IgG₁-Fc.

Methods

Aged Tg2576 mice or rTg4510 mice received NPT088 weekly via IP injection. Cognitive and/or functional motor endpoints were monitored during dosing. Pathology was quantified biochemically and immunohistochemically.

Results

NPT088-lowered Aβ plaque and improved cognitive performance of aged Tg2576 mice. Moreover, NPT088 reduced phospho-tau pathology, reduced brain atrophy, and improved cognition in rTg4510 mice.

Discussion

These observations establish NPT088 as a novel therapeutic approach and potential drug class that targets both Aβ and tau, the hallmark pathologies of AD.

•

NPT088 binds to and remodels misfolded aggregates of both Aβ and tau.

•

Systemic administration of NPT088 improves cognition, reduces levels of Aβ₄₂ and lowers fibrillar Aβ plaque in aged Tg2576 hAPP mice.

•

NPT088 does not increase levels of Aβ in CSF.

•

Systemic administration of NPT088 improves cognition, improves motor function, reduces phospho-tau and reduces brain atrophy in rTg4510 tau mice.