[THE INVESTOR] Braman Investment said on Jan.18 that it has invested 10 billion won (US$9.30 million) in Korean biotech firm Neuracle Science, which develops treatment for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease.

Neuracle Science, founded by a professor at Korea University College of Medicine in 2015, has been focusing on development of the antibody therapy candidate NS100, which is designed to cure neurodegenerative diseases and help repair damaged central nerve systems. Braman is the venture capital arm of Korea-based Reyon Pharmaceutical. 

Neuracle found that the NGDF-neutralizing antibody NS100 effectively prevented detrimental glial scar formation in animal models of brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. NGDF is a novel neuropeptide secreted by astrocytes, which has been discovered to play a major role in gliosis and the glial scarring process.

“The investment will help fund Neuracle Science’s antibody therapy through preclinical trials and early-stage global studies,” Braman Investment said.

Neuracle Science also plans to file an Investigational New Drug application for NS100 with the US Food and Drug Administration by the end of first half next year to initiate phase 1 clinical trials by 2020.

“An indication of the potential drug hasn’t been decided but it will pick one out of three central nervous system diseases -- Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” an official at Neuracle Science told the Investor.

So far, the biotech firm has attracted investments worth 20 billion won from investors including Timewise Investment and QUAD Investment Management.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)