Efralex

Ephrin Mimetic Ligand for EphA4 Receptor Targeting

Alcyone’s Efralex platform is a precision-designed small molecule that addresses several pathways commonly shared across multiple neurodegenerative diseases and conditions. Elevated EphA4 receptor levels have been linked with Alzheimer’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). In neurodegenerative conditions, the abnormal upregulation of the EphA4 receptor plays key roles in exacerbating inflammation, inhibiting axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity, and may be involved in propagating amyloid precursor and tau proteins arising from lack of engagement with its natural ligands (ephrins).

Alcyone’s Efralex small molecule mimics the natural interaction of ephrin, causing excessive unbound EphA4 receptor to be internalized into the cells. This prevents aberrant binding to amyloid beta or other toxic interaction partners and also inhibits cell death signaling caused by excessive unbound EphA4 receptor.