An optimized “hypoxia in a pill” regimen reverses neurodegenerative disease phenotypes in multiple preclinical models

A growing body of pre-clinical research has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of chronic, continuous hypoxia (11% FIO2) for treating both rare and common forms of neurodegeneration (1). However, the chronic delivery of hypoxic gas poses both practical challenges and long-term safety concerns. We previously introduced a small molecule, “hypoxia-in-a-pill” regimen that combines the hemoglobin affinity enhancer (GBT440) -- which limits oxygen delivery to tissues -- with a HIF-2α inhibitor (PT2399) to prevent compensatory erythropoiesis that can be detrimental. While this regimen extended the lifespan of the Ndufs4 KO mouse model of Leigh syndrome, its efficacy still did not match that of chronic 11% FIO2. Here we report an optimized combination that now utilizes GBT601, a second-generation hemoglobin affinity enhancer with longer half-life and greater hemoglobin occupancy, again with PT2399. Here we report that the GBT601/PT2399 combination achieved therapeutic hypoxia and demonstrated strong efficacy comparable to continuous breathing of 11% FIO2 by halting neurodegeneration and even reversing neurological symptoms in three different mouse models: Leigh syndrome, Friedreich’s ataxia, and Parkinson’s disease. The dual targeting regimen led to a striking extension in median lifespan in the Leigh syndrome model, from a median of ∼62 day to 158 days, when initiated after onset of advanced disease. Importantly, body weight was stable with the combination and it did not induce any signs of pulmonary hypertension, likely due to attenuation of HIF-2α. Our findings motivate additional pre-clinical and even clinical studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the GBT601/PT2399 combination.