SP-624

: SP-624 may treat depression in women by modulating the distinct female genetic profile. Credit: Prathankarnpap/Shutterstock Arrivo BioVentures’ SIRT6 activator SP-624 has been found to significantly reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), but only in women. Steve Butts, Arrivo CEO, stated that data from a Phase IIa trial (NCT04479852) showed SP-624 elicited a significant reduction in MDD symptoms, as measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score. However, reduction was only evident among female patients; for males, no statistically significant difference could be found. Following this trial, the Morrisville, North Carolina-based biotech announced it enrolled its first subject in a Phase I trial (NCT06570369) of the drug for this indication in a 10 October 2024 release. In parallel, Arrivo is running a Phase IIb trial (NCT06254612) specifically focussed on evaluating the drug’s efficacy in female patients as the primary endpoint, which dosed the first patient in April 2024. To explain the disparity, Butts pointed to  research indicating gene expression profiles associated with MDD differ between the sexes. A 2018 meta-analysis published in Biological Psychiatry found that of 706 and 882 genes differentially expressed in men and women with MDD, respectively, only 21 genes in common changed in the same direction—were either up- or downregulated for both sexes. “Our drug is the first epigenetic mechanism being tested in depression that can really test that theory”, claims Butts, adding, “this is the first time that a SIRT6 activator has ever been used in a patient with depression.” See Also: Novartis’ Scemblix gains FDA approval for leukaemia GSK to acquire Chimagen’s CMG1A46 for autoimmune disease SP-624 is a small molecule developed by Sirtsei Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Arrivo, which targets Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). An NAD-dependent enzyme, SIRT6 modulates gene expression, metabolism, and repair associated with MDD, the activation of which is thought to alleviate depression. Beyond mechanistic differences, MDD also presents at different incidence rates between sexes. As per GlobalData analysis , the prevalence of MDD among females was double that of men in  across the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan and Canada) 2023. The MDD market is expected to become $9.6bn in size in 2029 in those same eight markets, as per a GlobalData report. GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology There are so far no marketed therapies indicated exclusively to treat MDD in women, despite its prevalence and distinct genetic profile, and development in the female-oriented clinical space has met resistance. However, in recent years, drugs like Johnson and & Johnson Innovation Medicines’ (J&J) Spravato (esketamine) and Axsome Therapeutics’ Auvelity (dextromethorphan-bupropion) have been approved to treat MDD. J&J also saw some success in the MDD arena earlier this year when its Phase III study with seltorexant improved depressive symptoms in patients as per the MADRS scale. However, not all have been successful. Sage Therapeutics axed 40% of its staff in September 2023 following the rejection of their drug Zurzuvae (zuranolone) for MDD by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug is approved to treat postpartum depression (PPD). Earlier this month (17 October 2024), the company fired 55% of the remaining R&D staff to support the drug’s ongoing launch for PPD.

Study to Leverage Firefly’s BNA™ Technology for Biomarker Identification, with Potential Applications for Broader Neurological ResearchTORONTO, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. (“Firefly,” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AIFF), an Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders, today announced that its FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) biomarker discovery AI platform will be used to support Arrivo Bioventures’ (“Arrivo”) Phase 1 exploratory study of its first-in-class SIRT6 activator, SP-624, in healthy volunteers and patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study, which has enrolled its first subject, is designed to evaluate the impact of the epigenetic mechanism of action of SP-624 on neurological pathways and assess changes in various cognitive domains. SP-624 is also currently being studied in a large Phase 2b study in patients diagnosed with MDD, with efficacy in females as the primary endpoint. “We believe that utilizing Firefly’s BNA™ technology in the SP-624 study will help Arrivo better understand SP-624’s activity and uncover critical biomarkers that may inform future research across neurological conditions,” said Jon Olsen, CEO of Firefly. “Together with Arrivo, this study underscores our shared commitment to advancing targeted treatments for women with major depressive disorder, which continues to be an unmet medical need in mental health.” In an earlier Phase 2 study of SP-624, Arrivo explored efficacy over placebo during a four week treatment period. In a post-hoc analysis, the company found statistically significant improvement versus placebo consistent across both investigator and patient measures of MDD in female subjects, which was achieved as early as week 2. In male subjects, there were no statistically significant changes detected. While differences in MDD between males and females have long been discussed, these results support recent published literature citing differences in gene expression between males and females with MDD. Using Firefly’s BNA™ technology, Arrivo will also identify target engagement and biomarkers in the Phase 1 study that can be used in future studies across a variety of neurological conditions, including MDD. “There is a growing body of literature suggesting that targeting SIRT6 can play an important role in multiple neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases,” said Steve Butts, CEO of Arrivo. “This study should help us in our ongoing efforts to characterize the activity of SP-624 and look for potential biomarkers.” The Phase 1, single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study is being conducted at Alivation Research with Walt Duffy, M.D., founder, CEO and Chief Medical Officer, as the Principal Investigator. About FireflyFirefly (NASDAQ: AIFF) is an Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) company developing innovative solutions that improve brain health outcomes for patients with neurological and mental disorders. Firefly’s FDA-510(k) cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) technology revolutionizes diagnostic and treatment monitoring methods for conditions such as depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, concussions, and ADHD. Over the past 15 years, Firefly has built a comprehensive database of brain wave tests, securing patent protection, and achieving FDA clearance. The Company is now launching BNA™ commercially, targeting pharmaceutical companies engaged in drug research and clinical trials, as well as medical practitioners for clinical use. Brain Network Analytics was developed using artificial intelligence and machine learning on Firefly’s extensive proprietary database of standardized, high-definition longitudinal electroencephalograms (EEGs) of over 17,000 patients representing twelve disorders, as well as clinically normal patients. BNA™, in conjunction with an FDA-cleared EEG system, can provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into brain function. These insights can enhance a clinician’s ability to accurately diagnose mental and cognitive disorders and to evaluate what therapy and/or drug is best suited to optimize a patient’s outcome. Please visit https://fireflyneuro.com/ for more information. About Arrivo BioVentures Arrivo BioVentures is propelled forward by its insatiable curiosity and drive to solve complex problems and help millions of patients globally. Working in partnership with investors, innovators, and pharmaceutical companies, Arrivo is always seeking solutions for unmet medical needs. Arrivo has a portfolio of diverse drug candidates with the potential to be first-in-class or best-in-class. Arrivo is based in Morrisville, N.C., on the edge of Research Triangle Park. For more information, visit www.arrivobio.com. Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this press release and the information incorporated herein by reference may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the federal securities laws concerning Firefly. These forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to Firefly’s management teams’ expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Firefly will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Firefly’s control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks related to development and commercialization of BNA™ technology; risks related to Firefly’s ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the merger (the “Merger”) with WaveDancer, Inc. (“WaveDancer”); risks related to Firefly’s ability to correctly estimate its operating expenses and expenses associated with the Merger and other events and unanticipated spending and costs that could reduce Firefly’s cash resources; the ability of Firefly to protect its intellectual property rights; competitive responses to the business combination; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Merger; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the completion of the Merger; legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments; and those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by WaveDancer with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 22, 2024, as amended, and declared effective on February 6, 2024. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Firefly’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. Forward-looking statements included in this press release only speak as of the date they are made, and Firefly does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Arrivo Bio Media ContactICR HealthcareAlexis Feinberg, Vice PresidentAlexis.feinberg@westwicke.com Firefly Neuroscience Investor ContactsKCSA Strategic CommunicationsValter Pinto / Jack Perkins(212) 896-1254Firefly@KCSA.com Firefly Neuroscience Media ContactKCSA Strategic CommunicationsRaquel Cona, Vice President(516) 779-2630Rcona@KCSA.com