Vigil Neuroscience Presents Data on its Small Molecule TREM2 Agonist VG-3927 in Two Oral Presentations at AD/PD™ 2025 International Conference
Vigil Neuroscience (NASDAQ: VIGL) presented data on VG-3927, its oral small molecule TREM2 agonist, at the AD/PD™ 2025 International Conference. The company shared results from both preclinical studies and Phase 1 SAD/MAD trial for potential Alzheimer's disease treatment.
Key findings from the Phase 1 trial involving 115 participants showed:
- Favorable safety and tolerability profile with no serious adverse events
- High CNS penetrance with CSF to unbound plasma ratio of 0.91
- Maximum sTREM2 reduction of approximately 50% at 25mg dose
- Support for once-daily dosing at 25mg for Phase 2 trial
Preclinical data demonstrated VG-3927's ability to enhance microglial uptake of both Aβ and Tau in 5xFAD plaque-burdened mice, suggesting potential broader efficacy in targeting multiple AD pathologies. The company plans to advance to Phase 2 development in Q3 2025.
Vigil Neuroscience (NASDAQ: VIGL) ha presentato dati su VG-3927, il suo agonista TREM2 a piccole molecole per via orale, durante la Conferenza Internazionale AD/PD™ 2025. L'azienda ha condiviso i risultati sia di studi preclinici che della sperimentazione clinica di Fase 1 SAD/MAD per un potenziale trattamento della malattia di Alzheimer.
I risultati chiave della sperimentazione di Fase 1 che ha coinvolto 115 partecipanti hanno mostrato:
- Un profilo di sicurezza e tollerabilità favorevole senza eventi avversi gravi
- Alta penetrazione nel sistema nervoso centrale con un rapporto CSF/plasma libero di 0,91
- Riduzione massima di sTREM2 di circa il 50% alla dose di 25 mg
- Supporto per una somministrazione una volta al giorno a 25 mg per la sperimentazione di Fase 2
I dati preclinici hanno dimostrato la capacità di VG-3927 di migliorare l'assorbimento microgliale di Aβ e Tau in topi con carico di placche 5xFAD, suggerendo una potenziale efficacia più ampia nel mirare a più patologie legate all'AD. L'azienda prevede di avanzare allo sviluppo di Fase 2 nel terzo trimestre del 2025.
Vigil Neuroscience (NASDAQ: VIGL) presentó datos sobre VG-3927, su agonista de moléculas pequeñas TREM2 por vía oral, en la Conferencia Internacional AD/PD™ 2025. La empresa compartió resultados de estudios preclínicos y del ensayo de Fase 1 SAD/MAD para un tratamiento potencial de la enfermedad de Alzheimer.
Los hallazgos clave del ensayo de Fase 1 que involucró a 115 participantes mostraron:
- Un perfil de seguridad y tolerabilidad favorable sin eventos adversos graves
- Alta penetración en el sistema nervioso central con una relación de LCR a plasma libre de 0.91
- Reducción máxima de sTREM2 de aproximadamente el 50% a la dosis de 25 mg
- Apoyo para una dosificación diaria única de 25 mg para el ensayo de Fase 2
Los datos preclínicos demostraron la capacidad de VG-3927 para mejorar la captación microglial de Aβ y Tau en ratones con carga de placas 5xFAD, sugiriendo una posible eficacia más amplia en el enfoque de múltiples patologías de AD. La empresa planea avanzar al desarrollo de Fase 2 en el tercer trimestre de 2025.
비질 신경과학 (NASDAQ: VIGL)은 AD/PD™ 2025 국제 회의에서 경구용 소분자 TREM2 작용제 VG-3927에 대한 데이터를 발표했습니다. 이 회사는 알츠하이머병 치료를 위한 전임상 연구와 1상 SAD/MAD 시험의 결과를 공유했습니다.
115명의 참가자가 포함된 1상 시험의 주요 발견은 다음과 같습니다:
- 심각한 부작용 없이 유리한 안전성 및 내약성 프로필
- CSF와 결합되지 않은 혈장 비율 0.91로 높은 CNS 침투율
- 25mg 용량에서 약 50%의 최대 sTREM2 감소
- 2상 시험을 위한 25mg의 하루 1회 복용 지원
전임상 데이터는 VG-3927이 5xFAD 플라크가 있는 생쥐에서 Aβ와 Tau의 미세아교세포 섭취를 향상시킬 수 있는 능력을 보여주었으며, 이는 여러 AD 병리를 표적하는 잠재적인 광범위한 효능을 시사합니다. 이 회사는 2025년 3분기에 2상 개발로 나아갈 계획입니다.
Vigil Neuroscience (NASDAQ: VIGL) a présenté des données sur VG-3927, son agoniste TREM2 à petites molécules par voie orale, lors de la Conférence Internationale AD/PD™ 2025. L'entreprise a partagé les résultats d'études précliniques et de l'essai de Phase 1 SAD/MAD pour un traitement potentiel de la maladie d'Alzheimer.
Les résultats clés de l'essai de Phase 1 impliquant 115 participants ont montré:
- Un profil de sécurité et de tolérance favorable sans événements indésirables graves
- Une forte pénétration dans le système nerveux central avec un rapport LCR/plasma libre de 0,91
- Une réduction maximale de sTREM2 d'environ 50 % à une dose de 25 mg
- Un soutien pour une posologie quotidienne unique de 25 mg pour l'essai de Phase 2
Les données précliniques ont démontré la capacité de VG-3927 à améliorer l'absorption microgliale d'Aβ et de Tau chez des souris chargées de plaques 5xFAD, suggérant une efficacité potentielle plus large dans le ciblage de plusieurs pathologies liées à l'AD. L'entreprise prévoit de passer au développement de Phase 2 au troisième trimestre 2025.
Vigil Neuroscience (NASDAQ: VIGL) hat Daten zu VG-3927, seinem oralen kleinen Molekül-TREM2-Agonisten, auf der AD/PD™ 2025 International Conference präsentiert. Das Unternehmen teilte Ergebnisse sowohl aus präklinischen Studien als auch aus der Phase-1-SAD/MAD-Studie für eine potenzielle Alzheimer-Krankheitsbehandlung.
Die wichtigsten Ergebnisse der Phase-1-Studie, an der 115 Teilnehmer beteiligt waren, zeigten:
- Ein günstiges Sicherheits- und Verträglichkeitsprofil ohne schwerwiegende unerwünschte Ereignisse
- Hohe ZNS-Penetration mit einem Verhältnis von CSF zu ungebundenem Plasma von 0,91
- Maximale sTREM2-Reduktion von etwa 50 % bei einer Dosis von 25 mg
- Unterstützung für eine einmal tägliche Dosierung von 25 mg für die Phase-2-Studie
Präklinische Daten zeigten die Fähigkeit von VG-3927, die Mikrogliaaufnahme von sowohl Aβ als auch Tau in 5xFAD-Plakettenbelasteten Mäusen zu verbessern, was auf eine potenziell breitere Wirksamkeit bei der Bekämpfung mehrerer AD-Pathologien hinweist. Das Unternehmen plant, im dritten Quartal 2025 in die Phase-2-Entwicklung überzugehen.
- Successful completion of Phase 1 trial with favorable safety profile
- High CNS penetrance demonstrated with 0.91 CSF to plasma ratio
- Achieved 50% sTREM2 reduction at 25mg dose
- Preclinical data shows dual targeting of both Aβ and Tau pathologies
- Clear pathway to Phase 2 development in Q3 2025
- Early-stage development with efficacy yet to be proven in larger trials
- Competitive market with existing approved Alzheimer's treatments
Insights
Vigil Neuroscience's preclinical and Phase 1 data for VG-3927 represent significant progress in their Alzheimer's disease program. The molecule's differentiated mechanism as a TREM2 agonist targeting microglial function could potentially address multiple AD pathologies beyond just amyloid.
The Phase 1 study, which included 115 participants across healthy volunteers, elderly participants, and AD patients, demonstrated favorable safety with no serious adverse events - only mild to moderate, self-resolving issues. The pharmacokinetic profile supports convenient once-daily oral dosing, a meaningful advantage in the AD treatment landscape dominated by injectable therapies.
Particularly noteworthy is VG-3927's high CNS penetrance (CSF/plasma ratio of 0.91) and the consistent sTREM2 reduction observed across multiple TREM2 and ApoE genetic variants. This suggests potential application across different genetic backgrounds. The preclinical data showing enhanced microglial uptake of both Aβ and Tau indicates a broader mechanism than current approved AD therapies.
The advancement to Phase 2 in Q3 2025 with a selected 25mg once-daily dose represents a critical inflection point. For a company with a market cap of ~$78M, this program represents their lead clinical asset and a significant value driver, especially given the massive unmet need in Alzheimer's and the limitations of current treatments.
Vigil's VG-3927 represents an important mechanistic advance in the Alzheimer's treatment landscape. While current approved therapies focus exclusively on amyloid clearance with modest clinical benefits, this TREM2 agonist approach activates microglia - the brain's immune cells - to potentially address multiple pathological drivers simultaneously.
The preclinical data showing microglial uptake of both amyloid-beta and tau is particularly compelling. This dual-pathology approach could theoretically provide advantages over single-target therapies, especially since tau pathology correlates more strongly with cognitive decline than amyloid burden.
The Phase 1 results establish crucial feasibility benchmarks: the 50% sTREM2 reduction at the 25mg dose demonstrates target engagement, while the CNS penetration ratio of 0.91 confirms the molecule effectively reaches the brain. The consistent response across TREM2 and ApoE variants is clinically significant as it suggests potential efficacy independent of genetic background.
The oral administration represents a substantial practical advantage over current AD treatments requiring infusions or injections with associated monitoring. If the Phase 2 trials can demonstrate meaningful clinical benefits with this favorable administration profile, VG-3927 could significantly improve therapeutic options for AD patients. The upcoming Phase 2 program will be the critical test of whether this mechanistic approach translates to meaningful cognitive and functional benefits.
- Preclinical presentation highlights key, modality specific, pharmacological differentiations of VG-3927 -
- First presentation of topline clinical data from Phase 1 SAD/MAD trial of VG-3927 for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) -
WATERTOWN, Mass., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vigil Neuroscience, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIGL), a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to harnessing the power of microglia for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, today presented data highlighting its oral small molecule program, including its lead clinical candidate VG-3927, in two oral presentations at the AD/PD™ 2025 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases being held April 1 – April 5 in Vienna, Austria.
“We are thrilled to showcase our preclinical and Phase 1 data on VG-3927 at AD/PD™,” said Ivana Magovčević-Liebisch, Ph.D., J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Vigil. “Today’s two presentations highlight the unique potential of VG-3927 as an orally bioavailable, highly potent and CNS penetrant small molecule TREM2 agonist and provide the complete dataset from the positive Phase 1 results that we announced earlier this year. Collectively, VG-3927's favorable safety, tolerability, PK and PD profile support the advancement of this program as a differentiated next-generation therapeutic candidate that may go beyond what is possible with amyloid-based therapies to also target other, unaddressed contributors of disease progression in AD. We are looking forward to progressing VG-3927 as the first and only oral, once-daily, clinical-stage small molecule TREM2 agonist into Phase 2 development in the third quarter of this year.”
Oral presentation by Christian Mirescu, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Neuroimmunology: Small Molecule TREM2 Agonists as Next-Generation Therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Disease
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 3:20 PM – 3:35 PM (CET)
Session: TREM2, Microglia: From Mechanisms to Potential Treatments
Key highlights from this presentation demonstrated:
- VG-3927 is an orally bioavailable small molecule TREM2 agonist that has high specificity for membrane-bound TREM2 versus soluble TREM2 (sTREM2), which leads to increased access to the therapeutic site of action.
- VG-3927 shows a unique, synergistic activation of TREM2 with endogenous TREM2 ligands such as aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) that is expected to drive enhanced potency and specificity in regions of pathology.
- New data in 5xFAD plaque-burdened mice illustrate that small molecule TREM2 agonism enhances microglial uptake of both Aβ and Tau supporting the broad efficacy potential of the TREM2 agonist approach to go beyond targeting a single driver of AD pathology.
“In addition to the existing evidence supporting TREM2 as a therapeutic target in AD, our continued interrogation of VG-3927 has demonstrated that by activating TREM2, we can engage the brain’s immune system to counter multiple pathologies,” said Christian Mirescu, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Neuroimmunology of Vigil. “By promoting microglial uptake of both Aβ and Tau, this program has the potential to be a transformative treatment option in AD as a once-daily oral therapy.”
Oral presentation by Petra Kaufmann, M.D., F.A.A.N., Chief Medical Officer: Phase 1 Study of VG-3927, A Novel Oral TREM2 Agonist
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 3:35 PM – 3:50 PM (CET)
Session: TREM2, Microglia: From Mechanisms to Potential Treatments
Key highlights from the presentation:
- The Phase 1 trial of 115 participants provided a comprehensive and robust dataset evaluating healthy volunteers, elderly participants and a cohort of AD patients.
- VG-3927 demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile across all cohorts with no serious adverse events.
- All treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate and self-resolving.
- VG-3927 showed a predictable and dose-dependent pharmacokinetic (PK) profile that supports once-daily dosing. These data demonstrated that VG-3927 has high CNS penetrance with an estimated cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to unbound plasma ratio of 0.91.
- PK and sTREM2 reduction observed in the single dose AD cohort was consistent with healthy volunteers and the reduction in sTREM2 was similar across evaluated TREM2 and ApoE genetic variants supporting development in AD across genotypes.
- PK and sTREM2 reduction observed in the multiple ascending dose (MAD) elderly cohort was consistent with healthy volunteers.
- At the 25 mg dose, VG-3927 achieved the maximum sTREM2 reduction in the CSF of approximately
50% . - PK/PD data support the selection of a 25 mg once-daily oral dose for the Phase 2 trial in AD patients.
“Our extensive preclinical and Phase 1 data give us confidence that VG-3927 is a highly CNS penetrant molecule that effectively engages TREM2, harnessing the neuroprotective capabilities of microglia,” said Petra Kaufmann, M.D., F.A.A.N., Chief Medical Officer of Vigil. “By targeting TREM2, we believe VG-3927 can reduce neuroinflammation and promote microglial health to address the underlying AD pathology. We are committed to advancing this program with the goal of providing a new and differentiated therapeutic option for individuals affected by AD that may improve the treatment paradigm and patient outcomes.”
About the Phase 1 Trial
The Phase 1 single and multiple ascending dose (SAD/MAD) trial assessed the safety, tolerability, PK, and PD of VG-3927 across 14 cohorts. As part of this trial, the Company evaluated 8 SAD cohorts of healthy volunteers up to a 140 mg dose and 4 MAD cohorts of healthy volunteers up to a 50 mg dose. The trial also included an elderly cohort and a single dose cohort of 11 AD patients, including some participants who carry TREM2 or other genetic risk factors for AD. The trial enrolled a total of 115 participants. Eighty-nine (89) participants received VG-3927, including 34 who were 55 years of age and older.
About VG-3927
VG-3927 is a potent orally bioavailable small molecule TREM2 agonist. Its novel mode of action as both an agonist and a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) may amplify functional responses around sites of pathology leading to strong modulation of microglia and potentially greater neuroprotection. VG-3927 is designed to enhance protective microglial responses to aggregated amyloid and tau without increasing inflammation. In contrast to antibody TREM2 agonists, VG-3927 maximizes receptor activation and microglial function because it does not bind to sTREM2, which may increase its access to the site of therapeutic action in AD. Additionally, VG-3927 does not have an Fc (fragmented crystallizable region) domain, which engages elements of the immune system that have been associated with increased risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Collectively across preclinical and clinical data, these key differentiators create a compelling profile for VG-3927 as an investigational next-generation therapy for the treatment of AD.
About Vigil Neuroscience
Vigil Neuroscience is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for both rare and common neurodegenerative diseases by restoring the vigilance of microglia, the sentinel immune cells of the brain. Vigil is utilizing the tools of modern neuroscience drug development across multiple therapeutic modalities in its efforts to develop precision-based therapies to improve the lives of patients and their families. Iluzanebart, Vigil’s lead clinical candidate, is a fully human monoclonal antibody agonist targeting triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) in people with adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease. Vigil is also developing VG-3927, a novel small molecule TREM2 agonist, to treat common neurodegenerative diseases associated with microglial dysfunction, with an initial focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes certain disclosures that contain “forward-looking statements” of Vigil Neuroscience (“Vigil” or the “Company”) that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, express or implied statements regarding: the Company’s strategy, business plans and focus; the potential therapeutic benefit of the Company’s product candidates, including VG-3927; the progress and timing of the clinical development of Vigil’s programs, including the expected progress and timing to advance VG-3927 into a Phase 2 clinical trial in the third quarter of 2025; and beliefs about observations made analyzing preclinical study and clinical trial data to date, including with respect to VG-3927. Forward-looking statements are based on Vigil’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties inherent in the development of product candidates, including the conduct of research activities and clinical trials; whether results from prior preclinical studies and clinical trials will be predictive of the results of subsequent preclinical studies and clinical trials; and the timing and content of additional regulatory information from the FDA; as well as the risks and uncertainties identified in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Vigil’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and any subsequent filings Vigil makes with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Vigil undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.
Internet Posting of Information
Vigil Neuroscience routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the “Investors” section of its website at https://www.vigilneuro.com. The company encourages investors and potential investors to consult our website regularly for important information about Vigil Neuroscience.
Investor Contact:
Leah Gibson
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Vigil Neuroscience, Inc.
lgibson@vigilneuro.com
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CTD Comms, LLC
megan@ctdcomms.com
FAQ
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