Spacing rules in the brain: Novel compounds that act as molecular spacers in the brain prevent neurodegeneration

June 23, 2021

High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) provides seed funding for the neuro start-up FundaMental Pharma GmbH (FMP), a spin-off of the Interdisciplinary Center for Neuroscience (IZN) at Heidelberg University. FMP scientists have discovered a “death complex” in neurons whose activation leads to neurodegeneration. With the identification of a novel class of drugs, the FMP has also laid the foundation for successfully combating life-threatening neurological diseases. The financing makes it now possible to prepare for clinical studies.

Heidelberg, 23.06.2021 – Sometimes we are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time or get too close to other people. Nerve cells are not protected from this mishap either. For them, the proximity of certain surface receptors, together with a wrong choice of their location, can make the difference between life and death in neurotransmitter-mediated communication.

Professor Bading, one of the founders of FMP, has pursued this problem, which centers on the toxic properties of the glutamate-gated NMDA-type neurotransmitter receptor, over the past decades. With the discovery of a molecular pairing between NMDA receptor and another membrane protein, TRPM4, which is threatening to neurons, he and his Heidelberg team have achieved a scientific breakthrough. The FMP has already identified a class of drugs that keeps the deadly intruder at bay and will be tested on patients in two to three years.

Millions of people worldwide experience the dramatic consequences of neurodegenerative diseases, including memory loss, slurred speech, debilitation, loss of control over one’s body, personality dissolution and death. FMP’s new class of drugs is expected to halt and, in the best case, stop diseases such as Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease. In this way, not only unspeakable personal suffering could be reduced, but also a positive contribution could be made to our social fabric and our health care system.

The new pharmacological mode of action of ‘interface inhibitors’ that we have discovered raises the hope that currently untreatable neurodegenerative diseases in humans could be mitigated. Interface inhibitors open up entirely new possibilities, both in terms of drug treatments and gene therapy approaches.

Professor Hilmar Bading, Scientific Founder of FundaMental Pharma

It took a long time and a lot of patience as well as another scientific breakthrough until the company was founded. Now we are very happy and also a little proud to have found the necessary support with the HTGF to successfully continue our work.

Dr. Thomas Schulze, Co-Founder and CEO of FundaMental Pharma

After decades of research, the FundaMental Pharma team has developed a new drug class that could open a completely new therapeutic window for a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases. We look forward to supporting the team on its further path.

Niels Sharman, Investment Analyst at High-Tech Gründerfonds

About FundaMental Pharma GmbH
FundaMental Pharma GmbH was founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN) at Heidelberg University by Professor Hilmar Bading, Junior Professor Daniela Mauceri and Dr. Thomas Schulze. In 2020, the company commenced operations and started the product development of its novel drugs, the ‘molecular spacers’ (NMDAR/TRPM4 Interface Inhibitors).
www.fundamentalpharma.com

Contact:
FundaMental Pharma GmbH
Dr. Thomas Schulze, CEO
c/o FundaMental Pharma GmbH
Johann-Fischer-Straße 2, 69121 Heidelberg
M.: 0171-7860209
thomas.schulze@fundamentalpharma.de

About High-Tech Gründerfonds
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is a seed investor that finances high-potential, tech-driven start-ups. With around EUR 900 million in total investment volume across three funds and an international network of partners, HTGF has already helped forge more than 600 start-ups since 2005. Driven by their expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and passion, its team of experienced investment managers and startup experts help guide the development of young companies. HTGF’s focus is on high-tech start-ups in the fields of digital tech, industrial technology, life sciences, chemistry and related business areas. To date, external investors have injected more than EUR 3 billion into the HTGF portfolio via more than 1,700 follow-on financing rounds. HTGF has also successfully sold interests in more than 130 companies.
Investors in this public-private partnership include the Federal Ministry For Economic Affairs and Energy, KfW Capital, and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V., as well as the companies ALTANA, BASF, BAYER, B.Braun, Boehringer Ingelheim, Robert Bosch, BÜFA, CEWE, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Post DHL, Dräger, 1+1 AG, EVONIK, EWE AG, FOND OF, Haniel, Hettich, Knauf, Körber, LANXESS, media + more venture Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, PHOENIX CONTACT, QIAGEN, RWE Generation SE, SAP, Schufa, Schwarz Gruppe, STIHL, Thüga, Vector Informatik, WACKER and Wilh. Werhahn KG.
www.htgf.de

Media Contact
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH
Stefanie Grüter, Head of Marketing & Communications
T.: +49 228 82300 – 188
s.grueter@htgf.de

Contact Investors
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH
Niels Sharman, Investment Analyst
+49 228 82300 – 187
n.sharman@htgf.de