- Invention is based on the discovery that ALS may be caused by reactivation of Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HERV K) Envelope protein (K Env), already coded in the "dark genome" of all people.
- K Env is found in the spinal fluid of more than 75% of people with ALS and has been shown to produce the neurodegenerative findings of ALS in experimental animals and human neuron cells.
- The patent (EP 3 570 878 B1) covers a novel monoclonal antibody (GNK-301) developed by GeNeuro and scientists at the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement and co-owned under a subsequent patent agreement. Two US patents (10,723,787 and 10,981,977) have previously been granted for this invention.
- As described in the patents, GNK-301 has been shown to prevent the neurotoxic effects of K Env in nonclinical subjects and in human motor neuron cells – the cells that are damaged by ALS.
- GeNeuro has instituted GMP manufacture of GNK-301 and anticipates initiating human Phase I trials in patients with ALS in the second half of 2027 in the US and Europe.
- GeNeuro was selected in the first round of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program for two potential awards and is finalizing its submission.
- GeNeuro will participate in a conference this weekend on "HERVs and Humanity" bringing together leading clinicians and molecular biologists to focus on the understanding and treatment of HERV-induced diseases, including ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Optic Neuritis, and Schizophrenia.
MIAMI, Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GeNeuro, Inc., ("GeNeuro" or the "Company"), a subsidiary of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:NRXP), today announced the award of a European Patent (EP 3 570 878 B1) entitled "Anti HERV K Envelope Antibody and Uses Thereof." The patent, together with two previously-issued US patents (10,723,787 and 10,981,977) describes in detail the discovery that the envelope protein (K Env) of Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HERV K) is found in the spinal fluid of more than 75% of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is shown to be highly neurotoxic, and to produce the neurodegenerative findings of ALS in laboratory animals and in human motor neuron cell culture.
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