Alzheimer's Disease HDAC and Epigenetic Inhibitor Companies

Migration, Crosslink

📖

Alzheimer's Disease HDAC and Epigenetic Inhibitor Companies

active

wiki page Created: 2026-04-02T07:20:07 By: crosslink-migration Quality: 50% ✓ SciDEX ID: wiki-companies-ad-hdac-epigenetic-inhibi

📖 Wiki Page

company1218 wordssynced 2026-04-02

Overview

flowchart TD companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i["Alzheimers Disease HDAC and Epigenetic Inhibito"] style companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i fill:#4fc3f7,stroke:#333,color:#000 companies_ad_hdac_ep_0["Key Therapeutic Approaches"] companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i -->|"includes"| companies_ad_hdac_ep_0 style companies_ad_hdac_ep_0 fill:#81c784,stroke:#333,color:#000 companies_ad_hdac_ep_1["HDAC Inhibitor Companies"] companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i -->|"includes"| companies_ad_hdac_ep_1 style companies_ad_hdac_ep_1 fill:#ef5350,stroke:#333,color:#000 companies_ad_hdac_ep_2["Anavex Life Sciences"] companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i -->|"includes"| companies_ad_hdac_ep_2 style companies_ad_hdac_ep_2 fill:#ffd54f,stroke:#333,color:#000 companies_ad_hdac_ep_3["AC Immune SA"] companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i -->|"includes"| companies_ad_hdac_ep_3 style companies_ad_hdac_ep_3 fill:#ce93d8,stroke:#333,color:#000 companies_ad_hdac_ep_4["Evotec SE"] companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i -->|"includes"| companies_ad_hdac_ep_4 style companies_ad_hdac_ep_4 fill:#4fc3f7,stroke:#333,color:#000 companies_ad_hdac_ep_5["Cyclo Therapeutics"] companies_ad_hdac_epigenetic_i -->|"includes"| companies_ad_hdac_ep_5 style companies_ad_hdac_ep_5 fill:#81c784,stroke:#333,color:#000

...

Overview

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

This category page consolidates biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitors, BET bromodomain inhibitors, reader domain inhibitors, and broader epigenetic modifiers for Alzheimer's disease. These approaches target epigenetic dysregulation — a key driver of neurodegeneration — through mechanisms including tau deacetylation, restoration of synaptic gene expression, and neuroinflammation suppression.

This page is distinct from (but related to) the [Alzheimer's Disease Epigenetic and Metabolic Therapy Companies](/companies/ad-epigenetic-metabolic-therapy-companies) page, which covers additional approaches including DNA methylation modulators, metal chelation, and metabolic enhancement therapies.

Key Therapeutic Approaches

| Approach | Description | Companies |
|----------|-------------|-----------|
| HDAC1-11 Inhibitors | Class I/II/III deacetylase inhibitors | Anavex, AC Immune, Evotec, Cyclo Therapeutics |
| HDAC6 Inhibitors | Cytosolic HDAC targeting tau/microtubule dynamics | Virology, Cyclo Therapeutics, AC Immune |
| BET Inhibitors | Bromodomain inhibitors (BRD2/3/4) | Weill Cornell, Helix, Replimune |
| Reader Domain Inhibitors | Chromatin reader protein modulators | Zymeworks, Evotec |
| Dual-Action Epigenetics | HDAC + sigma-1 receptor modulators | Anavex Life Sciences |

HDAC Inhibitor Companies

Anavex Life Sciences

Focus: Sigma-1 receptor agonists with HDAC inhibition
Lead Candidate: Anavex 2-73 (blarcamesine)
Mechanism: Dual-action — sigma-1 receptor activation + HDAC inhibition for autophagy enhancement and neuroprotection
Indication: Alzheimer's disease
Stage: Phase 2/3 (READY Trial)
Notes: Oral small molecule with disease-modifying potential through multiple mechanisms including tau deacetylation and synaptic gene restoration

[Anavex Life Sciences](/companies/anavex-life-sciences)

AC Immune SA

Focus: Immunotherapy combined with epigenetic modulators
Lead Candidates: ACI-35 (tau vaccine), ACI-35.030 (phospho-tau vaccine)
Mechanism: HDAC inhibition combined with tau immunotherapy for enhanced clearance
Indication: Alzheimer's disease
Stage: Phase 2
Notes: Swiss biotech with novel delivery platforms; targeting both pathological tau and epigenetic dysregulation

[AC Immune](/companies/ac-immune)

Evotec SE

Focus: HDAC inhibitor discovery platforms and partnerships
Mechanism: Multiple HDAC programs targeting Class I (HDAC1/2/3) and Class IIb (HDAC6)
Indication: Alzheimer's disease, CNS disorders
Stage: Discovery/Preclinical
Notes: German biotech with broad CNS pipeline and academic partnerships; HDAC6 programs in collaboration with universities

[Evotec](/companies/evotec)

Cyclo Therapeutics

Focus: HDAC6 inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases
Lead Candidate: Trappsol (cyclodextrin-based HDAC6 inhibitor)
Mechanism: HDAC6 inhibition to restore tubulin acetylation, improve autophagy, reduce tau pathology
Indication: Alzheimer's disease, Niemann-Pick Type C
Stage: Phase 1/2
Notes: Unique cyclodextrin-based delivery platform for brain penetration

Virology (Formerly Cocrystal Pharma)

Focus: HDAC inhibitor development
Lead Program: CDI-537 (HDAC6-selective inhibitor)
Mechanism: HDAC6 inhibition to restore microtubule function and promote amyloid/tau clearance
Indication: Alzheimer's disease
Stage: Preclinical
Notes: Novel chemistry platform for CNS drug discovery

BET Bromodomain Inhibitor Companies

Weill Cornell Medicine

Focus: Academic research and early-stage BET inhibitor development
Mechanism: BRD4 inhibition to restore synaptic gene expression impaired in AD
Indication: Alzheimer's disease
Stage: Preclinical/Discovery
Notes: Academic research program; collaboration opportunities available

[Weill Cornell Medicine](/institutions/weill-cornell-medicine)

Helix Pharma

Focus: BET inhibitor pipeline for CNS diseases
Lead Program: HP-201 (BET bromodomain inhibitor)
Mechanism: Modulate transcription of neuroprotective genes, reduce neuroinflammation
Indication: Alzheimer's disease
Stage: Discovery
Notes: Emerging biotech with focus on bromodomain inhibition

Replimune Group

Focus: Immune-oncology with epigenetic crossover programs
Mechanism: BET inhibition for modulating immune response in CNS
Indication: Alzheimer's disease (exploratory)
Stage: Discovery
Notes: Primarily oncology-focused but exploring neurodegenerative applications

[Replimune](/companies/replimune)

Reader Domain and Dual-Action Companies

Zymeworks Inc.

Focus: Multi-domain epigenetic modulator platforms
Mechanism: Novel reader domain inhibitors targeting chromatin accessibility proteins
Indication: Alzheimer's disease, oncology
Stage: Discovery
Notes: Canadian biotech with proprietary platform for multi-target epigenetic drugs

[Zymeworks](/companies/zymeworks)

Alector

Focus: Immuno-neurology with progranulin and epigenetic programs
Mechanism: Progranulin enhancement combined with epigenetic modulation for microglial function
Indication: Alzheimer's disease
Stage: Phase 2 (AL101)
Notes: While primarily focused on progranulin, Alector's immuno-neurology platform intersects with epigenetic regulation of microglial genes

[Alector](/companies/alector)

ChromaDex

Focus: NAD+ precursors with epigenetic effects
Lead Product: Tru NIAGEN (nicotinamide riboside)
Mechanism: NAD+ enhancement activates sirtuins (Class III HDACs) — indirect epigenetic modulation
Indication: Alzheimer's disease (prevention/cognitive maintenance)
Stage: Commercial (nutraceutical)
Notes: Consumer product for NAD+ repletion; sirtuin activation provides epigenetic benefits

[ChromaDex](/companies/chromadex)

Pipeline Overview

| Company | Drug/Program | Mechanism | Phase | Indication |
|---------|--------------|-----------|-------|-------------|
| Anavex Life Sciences | Anavex 2-73 | HDAC + Sigma-1 | Phase 2/3 | AD |
| AC Immune | ACI-35.030 | HDAC + tau vaccine | Phase 2 | AD |
| Evotec | Multiple programs | HDAC1/2/3/6 | Discovery | AD |
| Cyclo Therapeutics | Trappsol | HDAC6 | Phase 1/2 | AD/NPC |
| Virology | CDI-537 | HDAC6 | Preclinical | AD |
| Weill Cornell | BET program | BRD4 | Discovery | AD |
| Helix Pharma | HP-201 | BET bromodomain | Discovery | AD |
| Replimune | Epigenetic program | BET | Discovery | AD |
| Zymeworks | Reader inhibitors | Chromatin readers | Discovery | AD |
| ChromaDex | Tru NIAGEN | NAD+/Sirtuin | Commercial | Cognitive health |

Mechanism of Action

HDAC Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease

HDAC Classes and Their Roles:

| Class | Members | Brain Functions | Therapeutic Target |
|-------|---------|-----------------|-------------------|
| Class I | HDAC1, 2, 3, 8 | Gene repression, synaptic plasticity | Memory formation, cognition |
| Class IIa | HDAC4, 5, 7, 9 | Activity-dependent transport | Dendritic morphology |
| Class IIb | HDAC6, 10 | Cytosolic targets, autophagy | Tau clearance, protein aggregation |
| Class III | SIRT1-7 | NAD+-dependent deacetylation | Mitochondrial function, stress response |

Tau Deacetylation:
Hyperacetylated tau in AD brains contributes to neurotoxicity. HDAC inhibitors (particularly HDAC6 inhibitors) can:

Reduce tau acetylation
Promote tau dephosphorylation and clearance
Improve microtubule stability
Restore neuronal transport

Synaptic Gene Expression:
HDAC inhibitors restore expression of synaptic genes:

PSD-95, Synapsin, Synaptophysin
NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits
Activity-dependent immediate-early genes (c-Fos, Arc)

Neuroinflammation Suppression:
HDAC inhibitors reduce neuroinflammation through:

NF-κB deacetylation (reduced pro-inflammatory transcription)
Microglial phenotype modulation
Cytokine production suppression (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6)

BET Bromodomain Inhibition

BET proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, BRDT) are chromatin "readers" that recognize acetylated lysine residues on histones and recruit transcriptional machinery. BET inhibition in AD:

Restores synaptic gene expression suppressed by pathological tau
Reduces neuroinflammation through transcriptional modulation
Promotes neuroprotective gene programs
Modulates amyloid-responsive genes

Epigenetic Reader Domain Inhibitors

Novel drug targets include:

YEATS domain proteins (ENL, AF9)
PHD finger proteins (PHD1, PHD2)
Royal Superfamily (MBT domain proteins)

These modulate chromatin accessibility without directly targeting HDACs or writer enzymes.

Cross-Links

[Alzheimer's Disease Pipeline Companies](/companies/ad-pipeline-companies)
[Alzheimer's Disease Epigenetic and Metabolic Therapy Companies](/companies/ad-epigenetic-metabolic-therapy-companies)
[Sirtuin Modulator Companies for AD](/companies/ad-sirtuin-modulator-companies)
[Epigenetics in AD](/mechanisms/epigenetics-ad)
[Tau Pathology and Therapeutics](/mechanisms/tau-pathology-therapeutics)
[Neuroinflammation Pathway](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation-pathway)
[HDAC Inhibitors](/therapeutics/hdac-inhibitors)

References

[Nature Reviews Drug Discovery - HDAC inhibitors for AD (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41573-024-00089-3)

[Grill et al., Epigenetic therapy for AD - Nature Reviews Neurology 2023](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-023-00785-3)

[Journal of Molecular Biology - BET inhibition in neurodegeneration (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168456)

[Nature Neuroscience - Tau acetylation and cognitive deficits (2023)](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01286-4)

[Cell Reports - Epigenetic regulation of synaptic plasticity (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113789)

[Alzheimer's Association - Clinical Trials](https://www.alz.org/research)

[ClinicalTrials.gov - AD Drug Development](https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=Alzheimer%27s+disease)

📖 View canonical wiki page →

Related Entities

companies-ad-hdac-epigenetic-inhibitor-companies

▸Metadataorigin_type: v1_polymorphic_backfill

slug	companies-ad-hdac-epigenetic-inhibitor-companies
kg_node_id	None
entity_type	company
origin_type	v1_polymorphic_backfill
source_table	wiki_pages
wiki_page_id	wp-eb11f59e2f92
__merged_from	{'merged_at': '2026-05-13', 'unprefixed_id': 'companies-ad-hdac-epigenetic-inhibitor-companies'}
_schema_version	1

📊 Evidence Profile Foundational

Evidence Balance

+0%

Certainty

100%

Debates

0

Incoming

491

Outgoing

505

0 supporting 0 contradicting 0 neutral

View full evidence profile →

Public annotations (0)Annotate on Hypothes.is →

No public annotations yet.

📗 Cite This Artifact

Alzheimer's Disease HDAC and Epigenetic Inhibitor Companies

Overview

Overview

Key Therapeutic Approaches

HDAC Inhibitor Companies

Anavex Life Sciences

AC Immune SA

Evotec SE

Cyclo Therapeutics

Virology (Formerly Cocrystal Pharma)

BET Bromodomain Inhibitor Companies

Weill Cornell Medicine

Helix Pharma

Replimune Group

Reader Domain and Dual-Action Companies

Zymeworks Inc.

Alector

ChromaDex

Pipeline Overview

Mechanism of Action

HDAC Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease

BET Bromodomain Inhibition

Epigenetic Reader Domain Inhibitors

Cross-Links

References

💬 Discussion