A PATH TO 
HEALTHY BRAIN

Polku Therapeutics develops innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, paving the way for healthier brains and keeping people on the path.

*Polku is a Finnish word for path or trail

Neurodegeneration
changes who we are

The brain is a marvel of nature, the command center of our emotions, creativity, and ability to navigate the world. It’s where our memories live, where we solve problems, and where the intricate dance of movement is orchestrated. Neurodegeneration disrupts this harmony, causing the slow and relentless loss of the neurons that make us who we are. As our brain falters, we lose not just functions but pieces of ourselves—our ability to connect, to express, to simply be.
Targeting Protein Aggregation and Neuroinflammation

First-in-Class Disease-Modifying Therapies For Neurodegeneration

Mechanism of Action

In neurodegeneration, the brain faces an assault: abnormal protein aggregates like tau and alpha-synuclein accumulate, and inflammation injures the delicate neuros.

Our discovery program for Parkinson's disease and tauopathies targets these phenomena by activating processes to reduce the buildup of protein and enhance the clearance of existing aggregates. At the same time, our approach tackles neuroinflammation, creating a healthier environment for neurons to thrive. By preserving neuronal vitality, we aim to slow or even stop the progression of these debilitating diseases.

PREP/PP2A interaction modulation

Protein phosphatase 2a is a critical regulator of protein dephosphorylation in the brain as well as central regulator of autophagy. Lowered levels if PP2A and activity is seen in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies.

Increases autophagy and degradation of tau and α-syn

Autophagy boosts the clearance of neurotoxic tau and α-syn aggregates that accumulate in tauopathies and Parkinson’s.

Dephosphorylates tau and α-syn

Autophagy boosts the clearance of neurotoxic tau and α-syn aggregates that accumulate in tauopathies and Parkinson’s.

Reduces oxidative stress

PP2A activation has direct downstream effects in reducing oxidative stress.

Reduces glial cell activation

PP2A activation dampens neuroinflammatory response thus having neuroprotective effects.

Target: Prolyl Oligopeptidase (PREP)

PREP protein-protein interactions can be allosterically modulated with optimized small molecules that bind to a novel binding site.

Strong in vivo data package

Parkinson's and tauopathy mouse models indicate disease-modifying effects on cognition in the Barnes Maze and motor function in cylinder test.
Supported by

€2.7M in funding

Pre-seed led by renowed life science investors

Our lead investors Torrey Pines Investments and Innovestor Life Science Fund led the pre-seed round

Therapeutics venture builder

Torrey Pines Investments manages a team of drug developers and selected CROs with strong track record in building lead discovery, lead optimization and preclinical packages.

Soft funding

The Finnish government innovation agency Business Finland has supported our R&D program and a grant from Alzheimer's Association and Rainwater Charitable Foundation's to develop Tau targeting therapies.

Team

We are a team of company builders and our roots are in neuropharmacology and medicinal chemistry research conducted by profssor of pharmacology Timo Myöhänen and Medicinal chemist Erik Wallén from University of Helsinki.

Our Path

News and Press

We want to especially hear about life science funds active in >€5M seed rounds and biopharma firms active in preclinical R&D collaborations in CNS

dialogue AWAITS