Presentation to highlight therapeutic potential of Athira’s small molecules targeting the neurotrophic HGF system in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

BOTHELL, Wash., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athira Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHA), a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration, today announced a planned poster presentation at the upcoming American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2024 Annual Meeting, to be held April 13 – 18, 2024, in Denver, Colorado and online. The presentation will highlight preclinical data supporting the continued development of Athira's pipeline of small molecule candidates targeting the neurotrophic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) system, including fosgonimeton for Alzheimer’s disease, ATH-1105 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and ATH-1020 for Parkinson’s disease.

AAN 2024 Presentation Details:

Title: Targeting Neurotrophic HGF Signaling for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Session: Poster Session 11: General Neurology: Novel Concepts
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 17, 2024: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. MDT
Presenter: Kevin Church, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Athira Pharma

The abstract is available on the AAN website here. The poster presentation will be available on the Scientific Publications & Presentations page of the company’s website at www.athira.com.

Athira’s drug development pipeline includes potential first-in-class (fosgonimeton) and next-generation (ATH-1105 and ATH-1020) small molecule drug candidates designed to promote the neurotrophic HGF system, which activates neuroprotective, neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory pathways in the nervous system. Athira’s drug candidates have distinct properties, which the company believes may be applicable to a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases.

About Fosgonimeton
Fosgonimeton is a potentially first-in-class, once daily, subcutaneously administered small molecule drug candidate. Targeting the protection and repair of neuronal networks, fosgonimeton has disease-modifying potential to address a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies.

About ATH-1105
ATH-1105 is a next-generation, orally administered, small molecule drug candidate in development for the potential treatment of ALS as the company’s initial indication. In preclinical models of ALS, ATH-1105 has been shown to significantly increase survival, enhance motor and nerve function, reduce peripheral nerve demyelination and axon degeneration, and improve neurodegeneration and inflammation.

About ATH-1020
ATH-1020 is a next-generation, orally administered small molecule designed to positively modulate the neurotrophic HGF system as a potential treatment candidate for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

About Athira Pharma, Inc.
Athira Pharma, Inc., headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration. Athira aims to alter the course of neurological diseases by advancing its pipeline of therapeutic candidates that modulate the neurotrophic HGF system, including fosgonimeton, which is being evaluated for the potential treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase 2/3 LIFT-AD trial that is expected to report topline data in the second half of 2024. For more information, visit www.athira.com. You can also follow Athira on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. 

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical fact and include statements regarding: product candidates as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases; future development plans; the anticipated reporting of data; expectations regarding the potential efficacy and commercial potential of Athira’s product candidates; and Athira’s ability to advance its product candidates into later stages of development. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “on track,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “pursue,” “continue,” “suggest,” “potential,” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the data from preclinical and clinical trials may not support the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Athira’s product candidates; development of product candidates may cease or be delayed; regulatory authorities could object to protocols, amendments and other submissions; future potential regulatory milestones for product candidates, including those related to current and planned clinical studies, may be insufficient to support regulatory submissions or approval; Athira may not be able to recruit sufficient patients for its clinical trials; the outcome of legal proceedings that have been or may in the future be instituted against Athira, its directors and officers; possible negative interactions of Athira's product candidates with other treatments; Athira’s assumptions regarding its financial condition and the sufficiency of its cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund its planned operations may be incorrect; adverse conditions in the general domestic and global economic markets; the impact of competition; regulatory agencies may be delayed in reviewing, commenting on or approving any of Athira’s clinical development plans as a result of pandemics or health epidemics, which could further delay development timelines; the impact of expanded product development and clinical activities on operating expenses; the impact of new or changing laws and regulations; as well as the other risks detailed in Athira’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and Athira undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements. Athira may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements.

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Anne Marie Fields
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