Many neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple sclerosis lead to neuroinflammation. The current treatments for Multiple sclerosis largely focus on slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms rather than targeting the underlying cause.
Insights on the neurodegeneration mechanisms of these diseases could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and reshape how therapies address neuroinflammation.
Eli Lilly aims to promote innovative research and development efforts that have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of these complex conditions and pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions. We are particularly focused on the immune cells and target identification.
What we're looking for
We are seeking proposals from qualified researchers, scientists, and institutions to identify therapeutic targets and delivery mechanisms for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders with associated neuroinflammation (particularly Multiple sclerosis).
Solutions of interest include:
Novel gene therapies
Target identification
Delivery mechanisms targeting the cerebral cortex (E.g. capsid modification to improve AAV-based vector)
Our must-have requirements are:
Targets and/or pathways leading to the development of novel therapeutic drugs to be delivered to the cerebral cortex
Our nice-to-have's are:
In vitro data is required. It would be preferred to have animal/in vivo data as well.
Funding is proposal dependent and will range from $100-200k over 1-2 years.
Who we are
The discovery of new medicines is about being relentless. You will gain access to the Lilly development team with decades of experience exploring every avenue necessary. We never stop searching for novel medicines, new ways to address unmet medical needs, and treatments that generate better outcomes. It's all done with a true sense of urgency, ensuring our medicines reach patients as soon as possible.
Could in vitro human blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier models be of interest for evaluating the microcapillary inflammatory processes in multiple sclerosis at the signal transduction and mRNA levels?
We have a group of novel compounds that shows good efficacy in two different models of MS: the EAE model and spinal inflammation where these NCEs show excellent efficacy at oral doses in reducing inflammation. Would this be of interest?
Would a mimetic vesicle 'Neurosome", which targets neurons be on scope with data showing delivery of a number of payloads (we have another similar particle that targets inflammation, Leukosome")
Is developing a novel inducible and neurospecific VEGF transgenic model in combination with sequencing technology to identify important therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration diseases in the scope of this project?
We have a platform for discovering chemical probes from phenotypic screening at different post-TBI timepoints that identifies novel chemical probes along with their target. Would this be relevant for this RFP?
Is focused ultrasound to open blood-brain barrier for target delivery within the scope?
https://www.dynaflow-inc.com/#:~:text=World%20Innovation%20Challenge
Although not directly related to this RFP, we are developing technology for high-throughput detection of early Alzheimer's from blood and other biofluids using fluorescence spectroscopy. Would you be interested in learning more? Happy discuss if of interest.
Is Lilly interested in learning about our nano-encapsulation of baricitinib that would allow for topical application for the treatment of alopecia areata? If so, contact Gary Madsen at ProTransit Nanotherapy.
We are developing microbiota solutions for neurodegenerative diseases. We have hits about GABA and about pain from bacteria we selected and produced. Is this kind of therapy that you are looking for?
Our BBB-penetrant NCE, MW189, suppresses neuroinflammation. Its molecular target is unknown, but is likely to be novel. Will you be interested in collaborating on target ID?
Regarding Lilly’s efforts in chronic pain and their most recent acquisition of CFTX-1554. Our peptide PNA5 are Mas R agonists with excellent preclinical effects on neuropathic pain. Would Lilly be interested in PNA5?