Our Scientific Approach.
At Teitur, we strive to improve the lives of patients by targeting the multiple aspects of cell degeneration
Rather than affecting a single system, degenerative diseases emerge from the complex interplay of dysfunctions across several biological processes, which together accelerate disease progression.
Our goal is to improve the multiple facets of these diseases by focusing on the fundamental biological changes at their core.
Building on pioneering research in SorCS receptor biology, our scientific founders have uncovered a novel mechanism that enables degenerating neurons to survive, grow, and function properly (i.e. trophicsupport) by restoring mitochondrial and lysosomal function. By targeting this unique pathway, multiple aspects of the complex pathology, observed in neurodegenerative diseases, can be addressed. Teitur’s SorCS-derived peptides harness this potential, representing a truly novel, first-in-class approach to a disease-modifying therapy and are the first of its kind to advance into clinical development.
At Teitur we leverage expertise in peptide chemistry and the combination of advanced peptides with novel mechanisms lays the groundwork for creating innovative therapies aimed at slowing or halting the progression of degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, hearing loss, and other related diseases.
The SorCS receptors
The SorCS receptors, SorCS1-3, are multiligand receptors playing a critical role in neuronal function, synaptic plasticity, and metabolic regulation. These receptors play a crucial role in controlling the trafficking and surface expression of key receptors involved in neurotrophin and endocrine signaling, and genetic studies have linked them to various neurological and metabolic disorders.
SorCS2 is essential for neuronal viability as it forms complexes with the BDNF neurotrophin receptor, TrkB, as well as the neurotrophins progranulin and NGF of which all are key players in neuronal function. By doing so, SorCS2 regulates the trafficking, maturation, and signalling of these biological systems, thereby enhancing neurotrophic support, and improving both lysosomal and mitochondrial function.
Harnessing novel biology to target and restore multiple functions in neurons
Our scientific founders have uncovered an entirely new aspect of SorCS receptor biology, revealing their unique capacity to signal through distinct mechanisms. Teitur has built on this knowledge to develop peptides capable of mimicking SorCS-receptor signaling.
By applying omics approaches, we discover the full and unique potential of targeting these novel pathways linking the signalling capacities with improvements across multiple cellular systems including mitochondrial and lysosomal functions. The distinct biological functions of each receptor in both the brain and body pave the way for different and innovative treatments of degenerative diseases by targeting the diverse receptor signalling functions of SorCS1-3.
Pioneering advances in peptide engineering
For many years, peptides as therapeutic agents have presented significant challenges for their poor membrane permeability and penetration across the blood-brain-barrier – a protective system which regulates and prevents toxins from entering the brain. We are leveraging expertise within peptide chemistry to not only improve blood brain-barrier penetration but also optimize their stability and administration route. As a result, these peptides provide a new and convenient treatment opportunity that is easy to use for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.