ZyVersa’s IC 100 shows promise in Parkinson’s treatment

WESTON, Fla. - ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZVSA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company currently valued at $1.89 million, has announced new study results indicating the potential of its Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100 as a disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The company’s stock, trading at $0.52, has experienced significant volatility, declining over 50% year-to-date according to InvestingPro data. The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation and conducted at the University of Miami School of Medicine, was published in the peer-reviewed journal Experimental and Molecular Medicine.

The research highlights the role of microglial-driven inflammation in the spread of toxic phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to neurodegeneration in PD. Findings suggest that the activation of NLRP1 inflammasomes by alpha-synuclein aggregates and ASC specks drives this inflammation. IC 100 inhibited NLRP1 inflammasome activation, which resulted in reduced levels and spread of the toxic protein. InvestingPro analysis reveals the company maintains a "Fair" overall financial health score of 1.86, with notably stronger growth metrics compared to profitability indicators.

In experiments, microglial cells stimulated by alpha-synuclein or tau proteins shifted from a homeostatic to an activated inflammatory state. When these inflammatory microglia were transplanted into the brains of naive mice, it led to an accumulation of alpha-synuclein or tau, neuroinflammation, and subsequent motor and cognitive deficits. The authors concluded that microglia-driven inflammation could trigger the pathological features observed in neurodegenerative diseases.

IC 100, a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody, targets the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC and is designed to attenuate both the initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response. Unlike other inhibitors, IC 100 blocks multiple types of inflammasomes. ZyVersa is preparing to initiate proof-of-concept studies in PD animal models later this year.

Parkinson’s Disease affects over 10 million people globally, with current therapies focused on symptoms rather than the underlying disease pathology. The market for PD therapies generated $6.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $13.3 billion by 2034, according to Precedence Research.

ZyVersa, with its focus on developing drugs for inflammatory and renal diseases, is positioning itself in the inflammasome space with IC 100 and in kidney disease with its phase 2 Cholesterol Efflux Mediator VAR 200. The company’s lead indication for IC 100 is obesity with certain metabolic complications, while VAR 200 is targeted for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). InvestingPro data shows the company holds more cash than debt, though its current ratio of 0.18 suggests potential liquidity challenges. Subscribers can access 11 additional ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics to better evaluate ZyVersa’s investment potential.

This report is based on a press release statement and presents the study’s findings as potential advancements in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.

In other recent news, ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. has shared updates on its Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor, IC 100, which is being developed for obesity-related cardiometabolic conditions and other inflammatory diseases. The company plans to initiate a preclinical study in diet-induced obesity in the first half of 2025, with preliminary results expected later that year. Additionally, ZyVersa aims to submit an Investigational New Drug application by the second half of 2025, followed by a Phase 1 clinical trial in early 2026. The company has also completed a preclinical study on IC 100’s potential to treat Parkinson’s disease, with results pending publication. In another development, ZyVersa announced a change in its certifying accountant, appointing CBIZ CPAs P.C. as its new auditor following the acquisition of its previous auditor’s attest business. Furthermore, ZyVersa has released promising data indicating that IC 100 may effectively treat obesity-associated cardiomyopathy, as published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. This data suggests that IC 100 can reduce cardiac inflammation and improve metabolic outcomes in obese mice. ZyVersa continues to focus on addressing high unmet medical needs in inflammatory and renal diseases.

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