PROGRAMS
repurposing program
PEX deficiency - candidate TEE2555
The peroxisome is a cellular organelle involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, the reduction of reactive oxygen derivatives and the synthesis of plasmalogens. The proteins necessary for peroxisomes are synthesized outside of the latter, in the cytosol. Peroxins are responsible for proteins import into the peroxisome and are encoded by the PEX genes. Deficiency in one of those peroxins causes peroxisomopathy.
We developed an original screening assay based on the use of patient primary cells to follow the biogenesis of peroxisomes. We have teste more than 2500 drugs and confirmed some of the results published in the litterature. We have also identified a new family of molecules able to improve the biogenesis of the peroxisomes in the patient cells. We are currently caracterizing those new promising candidate drugs.
repurposing program
epidermolysis bullosa - candidate TEE002
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (ORPHA:79408) is a disease affecting the skin. Unable to produce type 7 collagen, the skin cells do not allow the adhesion of the epidermis to the dermis. This deficiency causes fragility of the skin, causing sores to appear. Healing is difficult and causes excessive skin fibrosis. A very disabling disease, it is often responsible for the appearance of fatal cancers.
Apteeus is involved in a project to reposition a molecule whose mechanism of action ultimately contributes to reducing skin fibrosis. Several demonstrations of effects now justify an experiment in animal models. We are carrying out this project in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Nyström. We have received support from the American foundation EB Research.
repurposing program - EUROPEAN CONSORTIUM
SIMPATHIC
The SIMPATHIC consortium, led by Dutch University Medical Center Radboud and UMC Amsterdam, has developed a new approach to accelerate the use of existing drugs for patient groups with rare neurological disorders. The consortium received an 8.8 million euro grant from the Horizon Europe program to further develop this innovative method.
The SIMPATHIC consortium comprises 22 partners, including APTEEUS, research teams from Radboudumc, UMC Amsterdam and other academic centers in Europe and Canada, European patient organizations, companies and a European infrastructure network. The consortium’s innovative approach is expected to revolutionize drug development.
The program started in July 2023 and will last 5 years.
INDIVIDUALIZED DISCOVERY
Hunter Syndrome, MPS2 - candidate TEE1440
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPSII) (or Hunter syndrome) is a disease which affects the function of a lysosomal enzyme called iduronate-2-sulfatase. This enzyme is able to digest glycosaminoglycans (long linear polysaccharides) and its deficiency leads to an accumulation of these polysaccharides in whole the body. This accumulation impairs the biological balance.
Apteeus commits to this project in order to test 2600 compounds from its library on cells from a patient affected by MPSII. Based on LC-MS technology, Apteeus investigates to restore the level of glycosaminoglycans. One candidate drug is currently under new investigation. It could be useful as an add-on of enzyme replacement therapy for adressing central symptoms.
individualized discovery
Acid ceramidase deficiency - candidate TEE1482
La céramidase (acide) est une enzyme lysosomale impliquée dans le recyclage et le catabolisme des céramides. Sa déficience entraîne une accumulation des céramides dans le lysosome et d’autres organites et perturbe le métabolisme des cellules (ORPHA:333 et 2590). Le syndrome d’amyotrophie spinale proximale-épilepsie myoclonique progressive ou SMA-PME est une manifestation de la déficience en céramidase n’affectant qu’une dizaine de patients. Il s’agit d’une maladie ultra-rare. La maladie de Farber, dont les symptômes sont plus sévères et précoces concernent elle un peu plus de patients.
Après plusieurs mois de recherche individualisée, Apteeus a identifié plusieurs candidats médicament. Plusieurs enfants atteints de cette maladie reçoivent actuellement notre candidat médicament TEE1482. Apteeus reste pleinement impliqué dans le suivi biochimique des enfants et collecte des éléments qui pourraient démontrer l’effet du traitement et limiter l’aggravation des symptômes.
INDIVIDUALIZED DISCOVERY
INDIVIDUALIZED DISCOVERY
krabbe disease
Krabbe disease (or globoid cell leukodystrophy) is a lysosomal disorder affecting the white matter of the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous systems (PNS) (ORPHA:487). It is a deficiency of the enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC) that causes the accumulation of psychosine toxic to oligodendrocytes and consequently demyelination of the CNS and PNS.
We developped an brand new in vitro assay using primary patient cells and we tested more than 2500 active pharmaceutical ingredient. We are currently analysing the results.
individualized discovery
ACOX1 deficiency - candidate TEE886
The ACOX1 protein, for Acyl-CoEnzymeA oxidase type 1, is a peroxisomal protein involved in the beta-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids in the peroxisome (ORPHA:2971). Peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase deficiency is an ultra-rare disorder. Its prevalence is unknown. Only a few dozen cases have been described in the medical literature.
Thanks to our technology based on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, we identified TEE886, a drug candidate that restores a normal level of very long fatty acids in the cells of an ACOX1 deficient child. The child was compassionately treated with the candidate drug and monitored to evaluate the progress of his pathology under treatment. A case report is currently produced and will be published soon.
individualized discovery
d-bifonctionnal protein deficiency - candidate TEE1121
Bi-functional protein D is a peroxisomal enzyme involved in the beta-oxidation of very long fatty acids. Its deficiency leads to an accumulation of very long fatty acids and disrupts the other functions of the cell (ORPHA:300). D-bifunctional protein deficiency is estimated to affect 1 in 100,000 newborns. The prevalence is very low, it is an ultra-rare disorder.
Apteeus used liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to highlight the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in Noé’s cells in culture. Miniaturized and automated, the test has made it possible to identify several drugs. Unfortunately time and disease have been against us. We were unable to assess the benefit-risk balance of its use on Noé. This program will benefit to other patients suffering from the same disorder.
INDIVIDUALIZED DISCOVERY
Fumarase deficiency
Fumarase is an enzyme mainly involved in the krebs cycle, essential for the production of energy by the mitochondria. Its deficiency leads to fumaric aciduria (ORPHA:24), a disease that disrupts the normal development of the child. It is an ultra-rare disease with about 100 cases reported to date. Fumarate hydratase deficiency is principally known to predispose to certain cancer.
Apteeus is looking for a relevant in vitro model based on the use of Lino cells. We also established a collaboration with Dr. Frezza in Cologne.
INDIVIDUALIZED DISCOVERY
PLA2G6-Associated Neurodegeneration
PLAN, or PLA2G6-Associated Neurodegeneration, one of the NBIA (Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation) disorders is caused by mutation in PLA2G6 Gene. PLA2G6 is coding a phospholipase A2 that is implicated in the metabolism of lipids. It is essential to maintain membrane integrity and functionality of the cells.
We are currently developping a screening assay using patient cells.