Appello Pharmaceuticals

About Appello Pharmaceuticals

Appello Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage neurology therapeutics company founded in 2017 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, that focuses on developing treatments for central nervous system disorders, with a primary focus on Parkinson's disease. The company was co-founded by Brian Laden, who serves as President and CEO. Laden is also a co-founder and managing director of venture capital firm TriStar Health Partners and previously worked in Vanderbilt University's technology transfer office. The executive team also includes Joe Cook Jr. as Executive Chairman, a veteran biopharma executive and managing director of Mountain Group Partners.

The company's lead drug candidate, AP-472, originated from research conducted at Vanderbilt University's Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (WCNDD). AP-472 is a small molecule, positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGlu4). This drug represents a non-dopaminergic approach and is designed to work in conjunction with the standard Parkinson's treatment, levodopa, to extend the period of symptom relief and reduce side effects like dyskinesia. The business model is centered on advancing its drug candidates through clinical trials to address unmet medical needs in neurology. Appello is a venture-backed company, having raised a total of $39.5 million through Series A and B financing rounds. Key investors include Deerfield Management, Mountain Group Partners, and Alexandria Venture Investments.

Appello initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for AP-472 to assess its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. Following this, a Phase 1b trial was planned to enroll Parkinson's disease patients. Preclinical studies indicated that AP-472 could penetrate the brain and alleviate motor symptoms. The company maintains a strong collaborative relationship with Vanderbilt University, from which it licensed the mGlu4-specific PAMs.