Human Brain Imaging of Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptors using 18F-NLX-112 as Agonist PET Tracer

DANA POINT, Calif. - Aug. 20, 2019 - PRLog -- The Neurolixis lead compound, NLX-112, is at the heart of a brain imaging investigation of functionally-active serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in humans. NLX-112, a.k.a. befiradol or F13640, was radiolabeled and administered to healthy adults as part of a clinical study led by Prof. Luc Zimmer at the Cermep imaging center in Lyon, France.
Unlike previous radiotracers, 18F-labeled NLX-112 binds to 5-HT1A receptors which are functionally-responsive, and shows accentuated labeling in specific cortical brain regions.
Prof. Zimmer commented: "This is the first pure agonist radiotracer for PET imaging of human 5‑HT1A receptors. The availability of 18F-NLX-112 (or 18F-F13640) as a highly-selective and efficacious agonist opens new opportunities for investigation of this important target involved in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders."
Adrian Newman-Tancredi, PhD, DSc, CSO of Neurolixis added: "We are delighted with these exciting results showing that 18F-NLX-112 labels human brain regions associated with control of movement and mood. These observations support our clinical development of NLX-112 in the field of Parkinson's disease."
The first data from the study were published as the 'Image of the month' in the 'European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging'.

18F-F13640 PET Imaging of Functional Receptors in Humans
Colom M, Costes N, Redouté J, Dailler F, Gobert F, Le Bars D, Billard T, Newman-Tancredi A, Zimmer L. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging (2019).

About NLX-112
NLX-112 acts on the brain's serotonin system and is a highly specific activator of proteins known as 5-HT1A receptors. NLX-112 potently inhibits dyskinesia symptoms in animal models of Parkinson's disease. NLX-112 is orally administered and has previously been safely tested in over 500 human subjects. Neurolixis plans to investigate the antidyskinetic activity of NLX-112 in patients with L-DOPA-induced Parkinson's disease and, potentially, with other movement disorders.

About Neurolixis, Inc.
Neurolixis is a privately held biotechnology company developing therapies for disorders of the central nervous system. The Company has two clinical programs: NLX-112 is a Phase 2-ready program targeting L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease, and NLX-101 is a Phase 1 drug candidate targeting Rett syndrome. Additional discovery programs target psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.

Forward Looking Statement
Except for historical information, statements herein are forward-looking and represent our judgment as of the date of the release. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including: the inherent risk of failure in developing product candidates based on new technologies, risks associated with the costs of clinical development, our dependence on third parties, and other risks. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Neurolixis disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

PRESS CONTACT
Dr Adrian Newman-Tancredi,
contact@neurolixis.com
www.neurolixis.com
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