NextCure (NXTC) H.C. Wainwright 5th Annual Neuro Perspectives Virtual Conference summary

Conference overview

• H.C. Wainwright hosted its 5th annual NeuroPerspectives Conference, featuring presentations on novel neurotherapeutics.

• NextCure presented its lead candidate, NC-181, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting APOE for Alzheimer's disease.

Scientific and clinical insights

• NC-181 targets disease-mediating forms of APOE, especially APOE4, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's and related dementias.

• Preclinical studies show NC-181 reduces amyloid pathology and improves vascular function, with fewer vasotoxic side effects than current anti-amyloid therapies.

• NC-181 binds selectively to non-lipidated APOE associated with amyloid plaques, sparing physiological forms and minimizing off-target effects.

• In animal models, NC-181 reduces both parenchymal and vascular amyloid without inducing microhemorrhages, outperforming aducanumab.

• Early non-human primate studies indicate favorable pharmacokinetics and safety, with a half-life comparable to leading antibodies.

Development plans and future outlook

• IND filing for NC-181 is planned for mid to late 2025, with GLP-tox studies underway and a master cell bank established.

• Phase I trials will focus on safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and exploratory biomarkers, including amyloid PET imaging.

• NC-181's mechanism may allow expansion into other APOE4-mediated vascular pathologies, such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

• The company seeks development and investment partners to accelerate clinical progress.