Innovations in neurology

Our journey that is now pushing the boundaries of neurodegenerative research began in the heart of the Wendelsheim High Technology Park in 2013. Here, where technology and scientific curiosity meet, the idea of giving new hope to patients with previously incurable neurological diseases took shape. Our goal is to develop breakthrough therapies for diseases such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson’s disease. With our work, we strive not only to break new ground in research, but above all to significantly improve the lives of thousands of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and change them for the better.

MODAG was founded with this mission in mind – a team of visionary scientists and entrepreneurs from all over Germany contributed their extensive expertise in neurobiology and business management. The founders include Prof. Dr. Armin Giese, former acting director of the Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Christian Griesinger, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, Dr. Torsten Matthias, who is now CEO, and Dr. Marcus Kostka. Bayerische Patentallianz GmbH (BayPAT) provided support as an institutional partner. Together, we are pursuing the specific goal of developing effective treatments for previously incurable neurodegenerative diseases by combining targeted small molecule therapeutics with novel diagnostic procedures.

Our drive? The urgent need to find effective treatments for previously incurable neurodegenerative diseases…

A key moment in our research was the development of emrusolmin (also known as anle138b), a promising drug candidate for the treatment of MSA. This breakthrough is based on an innovative screening platform using single-particle fluorescence technology (SIFT). The discovery of emrusolmin and more than 250 analogs marked the beginning of a new era in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The promising results from preclinical research have already led Emrusolmin into clinical trials. Following the successful completion of the phase 1 study, which confirmed the safety and tolerability of the active ingredient, emrusolmin is now in the decisive phase 2 of clinical trials. This phase aims to investigate efficacy in patients with MSA. The progress made so far underlines the potential of emrusolmin to usher in a new era in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Under the leadership of our CEO Dr. Matthias, we have entered into important partnerships, including the 2021 collaboration with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. This collaboration opens up new opportunities for the global development and commercialization of emrusolmin and related compounds.

Our innovative approach, which combines early detection with targeted disease-modifying therapies, has attracted worldwide attention from the research community. Collaborations with leading US and European research institutions underline the international relevance of our work.

Recognition from prestigious organizations such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and Parkinson’s UK in the form of research grants underlines the importance of our work for patients worldwide.

Our journey from a local start-up in Rheinhessen to a globally recognized player in neurodegenerative research shows how scientific innovation and entrepreneurial spirit can work together to make real progress in medicine. Despite our newfound role as a pioneer in research, we remain true to our original goal: to create hope for patients who previously had no effective treatment options.

The future of neurology research is promising and MODAG is ready to make its contribution – from Wendelsheim to the whole world.