Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) chiefly impacts the spinal cord and optic nerves, which transmit visual signals to the brain, leading to potential paralysis and vision impairment. Our company is dedicated to advancing therapeutic and diagnostic advancements in the field of NMO through continuous research, innovation, and partnerships with key industry experts.
Introduction to NMO
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, causing severe impacts on vision and mobility. The incidence and prevalence of NMO were 0.053/100 000-0.40/100 000 and 0.52/100 000-4.4/100 000, respectively.
The pathogenesis of NMO is primarily driven by autoimmune responses where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues. In the case of NMO, the immune system targets the optic nerves and spinal cord, leading to debilitating symptoms. A key component in the pathogenesis of NMO is the presence of specific antibodies that trigger the immune response. Two major types of autoimmune forms have been identified in NMO: aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies.
Fig.1 Pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic targets for approved and experimental therapeutics options in NMO. (Carnero Contentti, Edgar, et al., 2021)Therapeutics Development of NMO
- Targets of NMO Therapy Development
Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NMO has significantly advanced in the last two decades, allowing for the identification of novel therapeutic targets. One of the key targets in NMO therapy development is the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody.It inappropriately signal the immune system to attack the protein, resulting in damage to the cells where it is located. AQP4 antibodies trigger inflammatory cascades that result in demyelination and neuronal damage in NMO patients.
The myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody has emerged as a potential target for therapy in NMO. MOG antibodies are implicated in disrupting the myelin coating on neurons, thereby contributing to the development and progression of the disease. Targeting these specific autoimmune responses through monoclonal antibodies has shown promising results in recent phase III clinical trials, indicating a shift towards more targeted therapies in NMO management.
- Types of NMO Therapy Development
Monoclonal antibody therapy: In the realm of NMO therapy development, monoclonal antibodies targeting different disease pathways have garnered significant attention due to their potential efficacy in mitigating disease activity and improving outcomes. These antibodies operate by modulating immune responses that target AQP4 and MOG proteins, thereby reducing the inflammatory processes that drive neurologic damage in NMO.
Induction of immune tolerance: As a promising alternative to long-term immunosuppressive therapies. By unraveling the complexities of the immune dysregulation in NMO and developing therapies that address these underlying mechanisms.
Our Services
Our company has established a comprehensive platform for rare disease diagnostics and therapy development, encompassing small molecule drug, cell therapy, gene therapy, therapeutic antibody, therapeutic peptide, and therapeutic protein.
For conducting animal experiments, our company provides NMO animal models to facilitate research on NMO pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.
Animal Models of NMO
- One model we provide is based on the pathological potential of NMO-IgG by passive transfer, where NMO-IgG is passively transferred to animal subjects to mimic the immunological response seen in NMO patients.
- Additionally, we offer a model focusing on the pathologic potential of anti-AQP4 antibodies by immunization. In this model, animals are immunized with AQP4 proteins to induce the production of pathogenic anti-AQP4 antibodies. By utilizing this model, researchers can study the immunological responses triggered by AQP4 antibodies and their impact on the central nervous system.
We offer preclinical research services specifically tailored for NMO drug development, including pharmacokinetics study and drug safety evaluation. If you are interested in our services or require further information, please contact us, and our team will be happy to assist you.
Reference
- Carnero Contentti, Edgar, et al. "Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: from pathophysiology to therapeutic strategies." Journal of neuroinflammation 18.1 (2021): 208.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
