NovAliX to Collaborate with the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune on Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

NovAlix has announced today that it is to collaborate with the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune, in a multi-year drug research program focusing on Downs syndrome (trisomy 21).

The company, which develops enabling chemistry and biophysical technologies to support the pharmaceutical industry’s outsourcing needs, will use its expertise and capabilities to develop small molecule lead candidates targeting the cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS). The inhibition of CBS over-expression has been associated with restoration of cognitive impairment in animal models afflicted with trisomy.

"We look forward to progressing our research programs for treating trisomy 21 leveraging NovAliX expertise in structure-based drug design and capabilities in advanced lead generation methodologies" said Dr Henri Bléhaut, Chief Scientific Officer at the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune.

Stephan Jenn, President of NovAliX, said "we are very pleased to investigate a novel research approach for the Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and to support the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune in its efforts to improve patients conditions".