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NEW YORK - Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a micro-cap biopharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $6.73 million, today announced promising preclinical results for its Alzheimer’s drug candidate, HT-ALZ. The compound is reported to improve cognitive functions and reduce neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease models. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company’s stock is currently undervalued, with shares showing strong momentum, up over 30% year-to-date.
HT-ALZ, an oral formulation of an FDA-approved NK-1 receptor antagonist, exhibited significant cognitive and behavioral benefits in APP/PS1 mouse models of Alzheimer’s. The treatment led to improved memory, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and better sensorimotor gating, while not affecting motor function.
The study highlighted a substantial decrease in GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes, which are associated with neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. This suggests that HT-ALZ may exert its effects by modulating astrocyte activity, offering a new approach to targeting Alzheimer’s-related neurodegeneration.
Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics, stated, "Our findings highlight a powerful new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s by targeting astrocyte-driven neuroinflammation." He emphasized that HT-ALZ works on a broader range of pathological processes, including inflammation, which contributes to cognitive impairment.
An acute treatment with HT-ALZ showed a rapid reduction in brain interstitial fluid Aβ levels, indicating its dual-action on both Alzheimer’s pathology and symptoms. The drug is orally bioavailable, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and has an established safety record, positioning it for rapid clinical advancement. Preliminary studies indicated that HT-ALZ selectively improves function in the presence of Alzheimer’s pathology, with no therapeutic effect observed in healthy mice.
Knie also mentioned the potential of HT-ALZ to become a first-in-class, astrocyte-targeted therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Hoth Therapeutics plans to move HT-ALZ into clinical development to evaluate its safety and efficacy in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. InvestingPro data shows the company maintains a strong financial position with a current ratio of 9.2 and more cash than debt on its balance sheet, providing runway for clinical development. Analysts have set price targets ranging from $4 to $5, suggesting significant upside potential from current levels.
This announcement is based on a press release statement from Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. and has not been independently verified. The company’s forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. For comprehensive analysis and additional insights on Hoth Therapeutics, including 8 more key ProTips and detailed financial metrics, visit InvestingPro.
In other recent news, Hoth Therapeutics has made significant strides in its research and development efforts. The company announced the filing of amended patent claims to bolster intellectual property protection for its lead drug candidate, HT-KIT. Concurrently, Hoth has initiated a preclinical toxicity study to evaluate the safety profile of HT-KIT, which is being conducted with OnTargetx R&D Inc. and ITR Laboratories. In their pursuit of new therapies, Hoth also reported promising preclinical results for HT-KIT in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors, demonstrating a reduction in tumor growth and KIT protein expression.
Additionally, Hoth Therapeutics is planning to submit an Expanded Access application for HT-001, aimed at treating skin conditions related to cancer treatments. Positive clinical findings for HT-001 were also reported, showcasing its efficacy in resolving skin lesions caused by EGFR inhibitors. Furthermore, the company revealed preclinical study results suggesting that Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) could be an effective treatment for obesity. These developments reflect Hoth’s ongoing commitment to advancing its pipeline through rigorous research and clinical trials.
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