Lebanon, NH: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Celdara Medical a Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to fund the development of engineered regulatory T cells (Tregs) therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
ALS is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, a significantly reduced lifespan. Currently, treatment options for ALS are limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapies. Celdara Medical aims to address this critical unmet need by developing a novel engineered Treg therapeutic, CM-CS1, for localized immune modulation, neuroprotection, and inhibition of neuroinflammation. This funding will empower the Celdara Medical team to accelerate their research and further refine CM-CS1, with the goal of moving closer to clinical trials and offering ALS patients hope for meaningful aid in their battle against this relentless disease.
Dr. Jake Reder, Co-founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Celdara Medical, expressed his gratitude and excitement regarding this significant milestone, stating, “We are honored to receive this funding from the NIH for our groundbreaking work on CM-CS1. ALS is a devastating disease that affects countless individuals and their families. This grant highlights the importance of research and innovation in the space and accelerates our progress toward providing much-needed therapeutic options for ALS patients.”
Dr. Joana Murad Mabaera, Principal Investigator on the project and Executive Director of Research and Development at Celdara Medical, emphasized the significance of this funding for ALS patients, stating, “ALS is a complex and challenging disease, and current treatments are insufficient. With this funding, we will accelerate the development of a safe and effective therapy that can make a meaningful impact on the lives of ALS patients and their families.”
Research reported in this press release is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R44NS132666. The content is solely the responsibility of Celdara Medical and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
About Celdara Medical, LLC
Celdara Medical was founded by Drs. Jake Reder and Michael Fanger in 2008 and is headquartered at the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center (DRTC) in Lebanon, NH. Celdara Medical builds academic and early-stage innovations into high-potential medical companies, identifying discoveries of exceptional value at the earliest stages and moving them toward the market. Celdara Medical partners with inventors and their institutions, providing the developmental, financial, and business acumen required to bridge discovery and profitability. With robust funding options, a diverse and high impact Programmatic pipeline, and partnerships with world-class academic institutions and industry leaders, Celdara Medical navigates all aspects of a complex industry, accelerating science to improve human health. Further information about Celdara Medical is available at www.celdaramedical.com.