MEET US AT BIO-EUROPE SPRING, MARCH 25 – 27, 2019 IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Engage with the right partners at Europe’s largest springtime biotech partnering event!
Bio-Europe Spring will bring key decision makers from the biotech, pharma and finance sector with start-up delegates and service providers together to present and discuss cutting edge innovation and potential partnerships.
Bachem’s services include pegylated peptides, lipidated peptides, various other peptide conjugates, and selective chemical glycosylation. The glycosylation technology is applicable to large scale and has the potential to be applied to a variety of peptides, where we can pioneer the concept of improving current and future drugs. To view our webinar please click here. Bachem‘s pipeline contains more than 150 customer projects in preclinical and clinical phases.
We are excited to meet with our customers and discuss how Bachem can be a partner for their peptide API custom manufacturing needs. We invite you to visit us at our Booth #2 in Hall A: please contact us to schedule a meeting in advance.
We look forward to meeting you at Bio-Europe Spring!
CGRP PEPTIDES
α-CGRP and β-CGRP, also known as CGRP I and II, respectively, belong to the calcitonin family of peptides comprising such members as calcitonin, amylin, calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide, adrenomedullin 1, and intermedin. The N-terminally truncated analog of intermedin-53 is also known as adrenomedullin 2. At their N-terminus, these peptides have in common a characteristic disulfide loop structure, generally formed by six to seven amino acids.
The 37 amino acid peptides α-CGRP and β-CGRP are encoded by different genes on chromosome 11. α-CGRP mRNAs are derived from the calcitonin/CGRP gene by alternative tissue specific splicing of the primary RNA transcripts whereas β-CGRP is encoded by a separate gene with high homology to the calcitonin/CGRP gene.
The amino acid sequences of CGRP peptides are well conserved among species, as illustrated in Scheme 1. In humans, α- and β-CGRP differ by three amino acids, in rats, by two amino acids. Both peptides show similar biological activity. In dogs, pigs and numerous other species, variants of the CGRP-like calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide (CRSP) are expressed in place of β-CGRP. The peptides are similar in their biological activities.
Scheme 1: Amino acid sequences of various CGRP peptides. Positions with high variance as well as amino acids, which differ from the majority of sequences, are highlighted. High variance was arbitrarily assigned to positions, where the major amino acid is present in less than 70% of all sequences.
Distribution of CGRP
CGRP expression is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system. In the brain, it is particularly concentrated in the hypothalamus and in certain nuclei of the brainstem. In the periphery, CGRP is mainly detected in sensory afferents projecting to the spinal cord, in motor neurons at the neuromuscular junctions and in nerve fibers associated with the vasculature. In capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons, CGRP co-localizes with substance P and other neuropeptides, in the motor endplate with acetylcholine.
Physiological Functions
On the basis of pharmacological studies several physiological functions of CGRP have been suggested. Due to its potent vasodilatory action and its inotropic and chronotropic effects, CGRP is likely to play a role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Furthermore, it influences feeding and digestion since it has been shown to decrease food intake, gastric secretion, and intestinal motility. Based on its ability to modulate substance P signaling, an additional function of CGRP in nociception has been proposed. Additionally, CGRP might be important in processes such as control of fetoplacental vascular tone, regulation of calcium metabolism and insulin secretion, acetylcholine receptor synthesis, peripheral nerve regeneration, and neurogenic inflammation.
CGRP Receptors
CGRP receptors have been identified in several tissues, including brain, cardiovascular, endothelial, and smooth muscle tissue.
Based on early pharmacological studies, the existence of two classes, CGRP1 and CGRP2 receptors, has been described. According to this historical classification CGRP1 receptors are more sensitive to the antagonistic properties of α-CGRP (8-37) (4013696, 4034544) whereas CGRP2 receptors are more responsive to the agonistic CGRP analogs, (Cys(Acm)2,7-α-CGRP (human) (4039880) and (Cys(Et)2,7)-α-CGRP (human) (4039888). Recent studies have shown that the previously cloned G protein-coupled orphan receptor, named calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), can interact with members of a new family of three single-transmembrane domain receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). Interaction with RAMP1 resulted in a CGRP receptor, which is sensitive to α-CGRP (8-37), whereas binding to RAMP2 and RAMP3 led to receptors for adrenomedullin known as AM1 and AM2 receptors, respectively. The AM2 receptor showed considerable affinity for CGRP. Besides their essential role in regulating ligand specificity.
RAMPs are also required for membrane trafficking of CRLR. Recently, a receptor component protein (RCP) of the CRLR/RAMP1 complex was described. RCP is an intracellular protein which is highly conserved between species and might be required for G protein-coupled signal transduction.
Therapeutic Implications
Given the multitude of physiological and pathophysiological effects of CGRP, modulations of its properties represent potential therapeutic interventions in a variety of disease states including cardiovascular disorders and neurogenic inflammation.
Clinical trials have indicated that the vasodilatory effect of CGRP might be beneficial in the treatment or prevention of Raynaud’s disease, hypertension, angina pectoris and heart failure. Since CGRP is rapidly metabolized, longer acting CGRP agonists are needed for long-term treatment. CGRP antagonists, for their part, have found use in the treatment of migraine, which involves the activation of the trigeminal system and CGRP-evoked dilatation of cranial vessels.
CGRP as Cardioprotectant
CGRP is also present in the heart. Infusion of the peptide induces vasodilation and generates positive inotropic and chronotropic effects, which can be blocked by its antagonist, truncated CGRP 8-37. In case of myocardial ischemia, CGRP is released by cardiac adrenergic cells. In response, an increase of plasma CGRP can be detected. The peptide is involved in protecting the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Unfortunately, the short half-life of CGRP limits its therapeutic use in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. So long-acting CGRP agonists have gained interest. They also show potential in the management of hypertension. Stabilization of peptidic agonists could be achieved by conjugation of long-chain fatty acids. N-terminally lipidated α-CGRP analogs have been developed and tested in murine models of hypertension and heart failure. Long-time administration of such an analog in vivo eventually resulted in a reduction in food intake and body weight. The modified peptide hormone induced secretion of GLP-1.
As an alternative approach for tackling the low metabolic stability of the peptide, controlled-release formulations of α-CGRP for treatment of ischemia due to a myocardial infarction have been developed.
CGRP and Migraine
CGRP has been detected in pericranial vascular nerves and the trigeminal ganglion. The neuropeptide is a potent dilator of cerebral and dural vessels, and it is involved in meningeal dural vasodilation. Migraine is possibly caused by activation of the human trigeminal system and the release of CGRP. Increased cranial CGRP levels have been measured in patients suffering from episodic or chronic migraine. Infusion of the peptide can trigger migraine attacks. Hence, CGRP antagonists could be effective in the treatment of the disease, which afflicts about 15 to 18% of the population worldwide. The recurrent pulsating strong headache and other symptoms turn migraine into a leading cause of disability and a global health problem. Women carry a higher risk of developing the disease than men.
References
Product Monograph Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptides
CGRP AND MIGRAINE TREATMENTS IN CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine, a common disabling brain disorder. The release of CGRP causes inflammation in the meninges, the membranous coverings of the brain, and is the cause of migraine pain for most patients. There is a need for new treatments in the migraine market because acute treatments have relied on triptan drugs. Some patients are unresponsive to triptans and others cannot use triptans because they have or are at a risk of cardiovascular problems (1). In 2018, the first anti-CGRP receptor monoclonal antibody, Aimovig® (erenumab), was approved in the United States. There are several promising candidates in clinical development that target CGRP and the CGRP receptor as shown in Table 1.
Product Name | Generic Name | Indication | Highest Phase | Companies |
---|---|---|---|---|
atogepant | -- | Migraine | III | Allergan Plc |
eptinezumab | -- | Migraine | III | Alder Biopharmaceuticals |
rimegepant | -- | Migraine | III | Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd |
ubrogepant | -- | Migraine | III | Allergan Plc |
BHV-3500 | -- | Migraine | I | Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd |
Phase III
Allergan is developing atogepant for the prevention and treatment of episodic and chronic migraine. Atogepant is a CGRP receptor antagonist. In 2018, Allergan announced positive results from their first Phase IIb/III study in episodic migraine. The company plans to initiate Phase III studies for chronic migraine during the first half of 2019 (2).
Allergan is also developing ubrogepant for the treatment of acute migraine. Ubrogepant acts by targeting the CGRP receptor. In 2018, Allergan announced the completion of two positive safety and tolerability studies of ubrogepant for acute treatment of migraine. The company expects to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ubrogepant during the first quarter of 2019 (2).
Eptinezumab, a CGRP inhibitory humanized monoclonal antibody, is under development at Alder Biopharmaceuticals for migraine prevention. This candidate selectively binds to the CGRP ligand to block its effect at CGRP receptors (3). Eptinezumab is administered by quarterly infusion. Alder Biopharmaceuticals plans to submit a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA for eptinezumab during the first quarter of 2019 (2). Rimegepant, an orally-dosed small molecule CGRP receptor antagonist, is under development at Biohaven Pharmaceutical for acute and preventative treatment of migraine. This drug candidate is currently in the Phase III stage of development. In December 2018, the company announced positive top-line results from a Phase III trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of its Zydis orally dissolving tablet formulation of rimegepant. The company plans to submit an NDA to the FDA in 2019 (2).
Phase I Candidates
Biohaven Pharmaceutical is also developing BHV-3500, a small molecule CGRP receptor antagonist, as a candidate for acute and preventative treatment of migraine. BHV-3500 is the first CGRP receptor antagonist candidate to be administered in an intranasal formulation. Biohaven plans to initiate a Phase II efficacy trial of BHV-3500 in the second quarter of 2019 (2).
Conclusion
The new treatments for migraine are viewed as breakthroughs in an area where patients have been waiting years for new options. To support the further study of CGRP, Bachem offers a selection of CGRP peptides and fragments. In addition, Bachem offers a comprehensive custom peptide synthesis service and the production of New Chemical Entities.
References
(1) What to Know About the New Anti CGRP Migraine Treatment Options. American Migraine Foundation (2019)
(2) GlobalData (2019)
(3) Pipeline. Alder Biopharmaceuticals (2019)
MEET BACHEM: DAICHI NASU
What is your official job title at Bachem?
My official job title is “Project Manager”.
How long have you been with Bachem? Where did you work before Bachem?
I am with Bachem since June 2018. Before joining Bachem, I worked as a technical sales staff for a Japanese chemical manufacturer in Düsseldorf.
What is your academic background?
I have studied chemistry at the TU Darmstadt and did my Ph.D. (Dr.-Ing.) in biochemistry and organic chemistry with the focus on peptide chemistry and bio-orthogonal conjugation.
Briefly, what do you do at Bachem?
I am leading NCE development projects of Asian customers by coordinating our internal activities in order to bring them in alignment with customer’s needs. I also support BJP (Bachem Japan) in acquisition of new customers.
What makes a perfect day for you?
Achieving or even exceeding all planned targets for the day by doing communication work and individual work in a good balance and extent. Having sufficient private time to relax afterwards makes further a perfect closure.
What is your business motto?
The key for successful business is to understand customer’s and stakeholder’s real needs. In the end, this leads to the best satisfaction and business relationship.
What do you like most about your job?
The best point is that I can use my knowledge in peptide chemistry in combination with my experience in customer-related work. Of course, I also really like being strongly involved in Japanese as well as European business culture and serve as a bridge between these.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends, cooking, reading, and go shopping. Further, I am also interested in various cuisine, culture and history.
What is your preferred peptide?
Multicyclic trypsin inhibitors as MCoTI or SFTI since I worked with these peptides for several years during my study and Ph.D.
Thank you very much Daichi.
Peptide highlights
Interesting news about peptides in basic research and pharmaceutical development:
Intravenous administration could be key to peptide-based cancer vaccines-Cancer Therapy Advisor
Israeli scientists claim they’re on the path to a cure for cancer-Forbes
Natural cancer killers: ASU Biodesign researcher enhances ability of immune system-Arizona State University
New pill can deliver insulin through the stomach-Science Daily
LITERATURE CITATIONS
Bachem peptides and biochemicals are widely cited in research publications. Congratulations to all our customers with recent publications!
S.E.Johansson et al.
Vascular pathology of large cerebral arteries in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage: Vasoconstriction, functional CGRP depletion and maintained CGRP sensitivity.
European Journal of Pharmacology 846, 109-118 (2019)
J.Sun et al.
Intermedin in paraventricular nucleus attenuates sympathoexcitation and decreases TLR4-mediated sympathetic activation via adrenomedullin receptors in rats with obesity-related hypertension.
Neuroscience Bulletin 35, 34-46 (2019)
I.R.Tough et al.
Mucosal glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) responses are mediated by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the mouse colon and both peptide responses are area-specific.
Neurogastroenterology & Motility 30, e13149 (2018)
C.Tuzmen and P.G.Campbell
Crosstalk between neuropeptides SP and CGRP in regulation of BMP2-induced bone differentiation.