Mair Therapeutics Partners with Radboud University to Advance Novel TMEM175 Agonists for Parkinson's Disease
Key Insights
Mair Therapeutics (search) has announced a scientific collaboration with Radboud University (search) to accelerate discovery of small-molecule agonists (search) targeting TMEM175, a lysosomal ion channel genetically linked to Parkinson's disease (search).
The partnership will evaluate Mair's TMEM175-targeting compounds in human neuron models derived from Parkinson's disease (search) and healthy donor cells, focusing on lysosomal pH regulation and degradation capacity.
TMEM175 plays a key role in maintaining lysosomal homeostasis essential for clearing misfolded proteins like alpha-synuclein (search), with genetic studies linking its dysfunction to increased Parkinson's disease (search) risk.
Dutch biotechnology company Mair Therapeutics (search) has announced a scientific collaboration with Radboud University (search) to accelerate the discovery of small-molecule agonists (search) targeting TMEM175, a lysosomal ion channel genetically linked to Parkinson's disease (search). The partnership aims to advance the company's novel therapeutic approach for addressing one of the most pressing neurodegenerative disorders.
Novel Target for Parkinson's Disease
TMEM175 plays a key role in maintaining lysosomal homeostasis, which is essential for the clearance of misfolded proteins such as alpha-synuclein (search). Genetic studies have linked TMEM175 dysfunction to increased risk of Parkinson's disease (search), while protective variants have been shown to reduce disease susceptibility. Mair's drug discovery platform is focused on identifying small molecules that enhance TMEM175 activity and restore lysosomal function.
Collaboration Details
Under this collaboration, Dr. Marijn Kuijpers' laboratory at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Radboud University (search), will assess a portfolio of TMEM175-targeting compounds developed by Mair Therapeutics (search). The compounds will be evaluated in human neuron models derived from Parkinson's disease (search) and healthy donor cells, using assays focused on lysosomal pH regulation and degradation capacity—two critical functions impaired in Parkinson's disease.
"Parkinson's disease (search) remains one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time, and targeting lysosomal dysfunction offers a promising path forward," said Dr. Vasily Kazey, CEO of Mair Therapeutics (search). "We are excited to collaborate with Radboud University (search), whose deep expertise in neuronal biology and Parkinson's research will be instrumental in validating our therapeutic approach."
Strategic Partnership in Neuroscience Hub
The collaboration underscores Mair's commitment to building partnerships within the East Netherlands' neuroscience and innovation ecosystem. The company, which recently launched with backing from Torrey Pines Investment (search) and Oost NL (search), is headquartered in Nijmegen, a leading hub for Parkinson's research and home to the Parkinson expertise center led by Prof. Dr. Bas Bloem at Radboudumc.
Mair Therapeutics (search) is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing first-in-class small-molecule therapeutics that target lysosomal ion channels in neurodegenerative diseases (search). Its lead program focuses on TMEM175 agonists (search) for Parkinson's disease (search). The company is supported by Torrey Pines Investment (search), Oost NL (search), and Expert Systems (search).
Radboud University (search) is one of the leading academic institutions in the Netherlands, internationally recognized for excellence in life sciences and neuroscience. The Kuijpers Lab at the Donders Institute focuses on understanding organelle dynamics and intracellular trafficking in neurons, with an emphasis on lysosomal biology and neurodegenerative disease models.