Eikonizo Therapeutics Gains Financial Backing from Novo Nordisk for Its Prime Candidate, EKZ-102
Eikonizo Therapeutics, a groundbreaking biopharmaceutical company committed to creating disease-altering treatments for those suffering from neurodegenerative and cardiorenal conditions, has declared a successful equity investment from Novo Nordisk via its Science2Medicine iNNvest initiative. This financial support will facilitate the progress of Eikonizo’s leading drug candidate, EKZ-102, a pioneering, oral, CNS-penetrant, and highly specific inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). Additionally, this investment will bolster the development of Eikonizo’s innovative HDAC6 inhibitors as potential transformative treatments for cardiorenal ailments.
EKZ-102, Eikonizo’s main drug in development, represents a first-of-its-kind, oral, small molecule HDAC6 inhibitor. It offers a unique combination of high efficacy, selectiveness, and CNS penetration, safeguarding neuronal functionality while minimizing unwanted side effects for better safety and tolerability. Currently, EKZ-102 is in the process of IND-enabling development for addressing ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders, with future expansion into other conditions and a planned initial clinical study set for 2025.
“EKZ-102 is a distinctive CNS-penetrant HDAC6 inhibitor with the potential to emerge as a foremost therapy for ALS and additional conditions,” expressed Rick Lundberg, president and CEO of Eikonizo. “This capital from Novo Nordisk’s iNNvest program propels EKZ-102 closer to clinical validation with a first-in-human study anticipated in 2025. We’re equally thrilled to introduce talented new team members with vast industry expertise, who will be vital in advancing EKZ-102 to clinical proof and unlocking the vast potential of HDAC6 inhibition for critical neurodegenerative and cardiorenal diseases.”
Eikonizo has also bolstered its leadership team, announcing the addition of Thomas E. Hughes, Chairperson and CEO of Navitor Pharmaceuticals, to its board, and welcoming Richard A. Fisher as Chief Scientific Officer, Jim Luterman as Executive VP of Development, and Jon Graves, CPA, as VP, Finance and Controller.
“Eikonizo has charted a promising future with their unique HDAC6 inhibitors, and I’m honored to join the board during such an impactful time,” stated Tom Hughes. “I am eager to collaborate with the Eikonizo team as they propel EKZ-102 into clinical trials. The program aligns perfectly with the company’s mission of delivering disease-modifying treatments to those battling neurodegenerative and cardiorenal diseases.”