CLNK-1: a Phase 2-ready SPT inhibitor for Parkinson’s disease
CeraLink is developing CLNK-1, a proprietary small molecule inhibitor of serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), as a non-dopaminergic treatment for Parkinson’s disease with disease-modifying potential.
CLNK-1
Oral SPT inhibitor
Phase 2-ready
- Target
- Serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT)
- Indication
- Parkinson’s disease
- Modality
- Small molecule, oral
- Stage
- Phase 2-ready
CLNK-1 is an investigational compound. It has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory authority, and its safety and efficacy have not been established.
CLNK-1: mechanism and differentiation
CLNK-1 is a competitive inhibitor of SPT with a mechanism related to that of D-Serine, the natural SPT inhibitor that demonstrated clinical benefit in a PD pilot study. CLNK-1 was specifically designed to overcome the pharmacokinetic and tolerability limitations of D-Serine, offering improved drug properties including high brain penetration and a favorable safety profile.
In previous clinical studies, CLNK-1 has been administered to more than 300 patients and was well tolerated at doses above the predicted efficacious level. This extensive clinical history provides a strong foundation for advancing CLNK-1 into a proof-of-concept study in Parkinson’s disease.
A non-dopaminergic approach to addressing underlying Parkinson’s pathology
CLNK-1’s mechanism of action is fundamentally different from existing Parkinson’s therapies. By targeting SPT-driven membrane dysfunction rather than dopamine replacement, CLNK-1 has the potential to address symptoms while modifying the underlying pathology. This non-dopaminergic mechanism also means CLNK-1 carries the potential for use in combination with all available PD treatments as well as future disease-modifying therapies.
Interested in learning more about CeraLink?
We welcome conversations with potential partners, investors, and collaborators who share our commitment to advancing new treatments for neurodegenerative disease.