Data highlights potential neuroprotective, neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory effects of enhancing the HGF/MET system

BOTHELL, Wash., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athira Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHA), a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecules to restore neuronal health and slow neurodegeneration, today presented preclinical data highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of fosgonimeton at the AD/PD™ 2023 International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders (AD/PD).

“New therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases are urgently needed. Our presentations at AD/PD highlight a wide range of preclinical evaluations demonstrating the ability of fosgonimeton, or its active metabolite fosgo-AM, acting through the HGF/MET system, to address multiple aspects of neurodegeneration,” said Kevin Church, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Athira. “These findings include notable neuroprotective, neurotrophic, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as reduction of disease-related protein pathologies following multiple and varied challenges in models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”

Data presented in three poster presentations highlight the effects of fosgonimeton or fosgo-AM, acting through the HGF/MET pathway, demonstrating:

• Significant protection from neurite degeneration and cell death in cultures of primary cortical or dopaminergic neurons challenged with several neurological insults central to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease pathologies.
• Protection from protein pathologies, including significantly reduced levels of hyperphosphorylated tau in cortical neurons treated with toxic amyloid beta, and significantly lower levels of α-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic neurons treated with toxic insults.
• Significant anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells in vitro and significant procognitive activity in a model of neuroinflammation-induced cognitive impairment in vivo.
  

The presentations are available on the Scientific Publications & Presentations page of the company’s website at www.athira.com. 

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 provide rapid cognitive improvement and alter the course of neurological diseases with its novel mechanism of action. Athira is currently advancing its pipeline of therapeutic candidates targeting the HGF/MET neurotrophic system for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For more information, visit www.athira.com. You can also follow Athira on Facebook, LinkedIn, and @athirapharma on 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 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Athira’s platform technology and potential therapies; 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 other similar expressions, among others. 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 for our product candidates from our preclinical and clinical trials not supporting the safety, efficacy and tolerability of our product candidates; cessation or delay of Athira’s development of product candidates may occur; 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; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Athira’s business, research and clinical development plans and timelines, and the regulatory process for Athira product candidates; 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 us and certain of our directors and officers; clinical trials may not demonstrate safety and efficacy of any of Athira’s product candidates; possible negative interactions of Athira's product candidates with other treatments; Athira’s assumptions regarding 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 the COVID-19 pandemic, 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. 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.

Investor & Media Contact 
Julie Rathbun 
Athira Pharma 
Julie.rathbun@athira.com 
206-769-9219