IRLAB Therapeutics – executive interview

IRLAB Therapeutics (IRLAB-A) is a Sweden-based biotechnology company focused on developing novel drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease (PD), utilising its ISP (Integrative Screening Process) proprietary drug discovery platform. The company has a rich pipeline, with three clinical-stage assets, all approaching a period of heightened activity in the next 12–18 months.

For IRLAB’s lead asset, mesdopetam (levodopa-induced dyskinesias), anticipation builds as the company prepares for a registrational Phase III programme, following a successful FDA meeting. This could commence by end-2024, with the exact timing subject to successful partnership discussions. IRLAB’s second asset, pirepemat (to improve balance and reduce falls in PD patients), is approaching the next stage of clinical development, having recently passed its second (and final) safety and data integrity review. With patient enrolment on track to be complete in Q324, we expect top-line results as early as Q125. The latest clinical entrant, IRL757 (apathy), promises a broader market for IRLAB (PD and Alzheimer’s disease) with the development pathway derisked with the backing of the Michael J Fox Foundation and the McQuade Center for Strategic Research and Development. Pre-clinical assets, IRL942 (cognitive function) and IRL1117 (PD), continue to make progress, with both expected to be Phase I-ready from end-2024.

In this interview, Edison’s Soo Romanoff talks to IRLAB’s CEO Gunnar Olsson about the company’s action plan and strategic priorities as it approaches these inflection points.