Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects only the lower motor neurons (LMN). To address the complexities of managing MMN, Protheragen has committed resources to cutting-edge technologies and expert professionals focused on pioneering therapeutic solutions. Our comprehensive support services will significantly streamline your path from drug candidate development to market entry.
Overview of Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is an uncommon, long-lasting disorder that is autoimmune in nature and mainly affects the peripheral motor nerves. Muscle atrophy manifests as asymmetric muscle weakness, especially in distal partes of limbs with minimal sensory involvement. Although it may first mimic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), MMN differs because it is treatable, underlining the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Fig.1 Schematic model of putative disease mechanisms in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). (Harschnitz O, et al., 2014)
Pathogenesis of Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is mainly caused by autoimmune processes, and in about 50% of cases, there are anti-ganglioside (GM1) antibodies. These antibodies attach to the nodal as well as paranodal regions of a motor nerve which disrupts saltatory conduction and also triggers complement-mediated membrane attack complex (MAC) formation resulting in focal demyelination and conduction block.
Therapeutic Development for Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
| Drug Names | Mechanism of Action | Targets | NCT Number | Research Phase |
| HyQvia | Combined immunoglobulin replacement therapy with enhanced subcutaneous delivery via hyaluronidase-mediated tissue permeability | Polyclonal IgG antibodies | NCT02556437 | Phase II |
| Empasiprubart | Monoclonal antibody inhibiting complement activation by targeting complement component C2 | Complement C2 | NCT06742190 | Phase III |
| TAK-771 | Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) replacement therapy | Polyclonal IgG antibodies | NCT05084053 | Phase III |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
At Protheragen, we focus on preclinical research in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), providing comprehensive solutions from biomarker identification to development of CNS targeted therapeutics. Our expertise covers disease modeling, including patient-derived iPSCs, induced disease models, and advanced blood-brain barrier (BBB) models for evaluating drug penetration and neuroprotective efficacy. We provide partners with target validation, lead compound optimization, and comprehensive preclinical research services.
Therapeutic Development Services
By Mechanism of Action
Disease Model Development Services
- Anti-GM1 Antibody-Induced Rodent Models: Purified human anti-GM1 antibodies (from MMN patients or monoclonal versions) are passively transferred into rodents (mice/rats), inducing immune-mediated motor nerve dysfunction.
- Other Models
At Protheragen, we are committed to validating and optimizing therapies for multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) through comprehensive pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicology research services to ensure their successful regulatory approval. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
Reference
- Harschnitz O, Jongbloed B A, Franssen H, et al. MMN: from immunological cross-talk to conduction block[J]. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2014, 34: 112-119.