Convelo Therapeutics is advancing transformative therapeutics to regenerate myelin within the central nervous system

Myelin is a critical component of a functioning central nervous system (CNS). Formed by specialized cells called oligodendrocytes, myelin wraps around and insulates nerve fibers to enable proper transmission of electrical signals. In the healthy brain, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, a stem cell found throughout the human central nervous system, function to generate new oligodendrocytes in a process known as myelination. 

Convelo scientists have developed an innovative and proprietary platform to identify novel drug candidates capable of directly stimulating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells within the CNS to form new myelin. Importantly, Convelo Therapeutics scientists have discovered a central biological pathway that controls myelination in the CNS, including defined drug-targets.  These discoveries have allowed Convelo to develop a pipeline of potent drug candidates that we are advancing towards clinical testing.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is the most common chronic neurological disorder in young adults, affecting nearly 1 million people in the US alone. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the patients’ own immune cells attack and destroy the myelin sheath protecting the nerves in the CNS, ultimately leading to irreparable nerve damage.  Although there are over 15 agents approved for the treatment of MS, almost all are designed to limit the destructive immune attack. However, the nervous system continues to deteriorate despite these therapies, contributing to progressive disability.  MS experts agree that drugs that stimulate the regeneration of myelin would benefit MS patients by protecting neurons to prevent further damage and potentially restoring neuronal function. Convelo Therapeutics is developing first-in-class myelin regenerative therapies for MS patients.