From Bench to Bedside: Complement Inhibition for Neurodegenerative Disease
Professor Trent Woodruff
School of Biomedical Sciences
University of Queensland
From Bench to Bedside: Complement Inhibition for Neurodegenerative Disease
Abstract: The complement system is a central component of innate immune defence. However, dysregulated complement activation generates inflammatory effector fragments, such as C5a, that contribute to disease pathology. While the past decade has seen the successful development of complement‑targeted therapies for peripheral inflammatory and organ diseases, emerging evidence indicates that complement activation also plays a pathogenic role within the CNS during neurodegeneration.
Professor Woodruff’s research has shown that C5a and its receptor, C5aR1, contribute to neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and motor neuron disease (MND). Using a series of orally active, brain‑permeable C5aR1 inhibitors developed at UQ, his group has examined the therapeutic potential of targeting complement‑driven neuroinflammation. These studies have identified the C5a–C5aR1 axis as an intrinsic mediator of microglial activation and neuropathology.
This presentation will describe evidence from murine and human preclinical models, together with findings from a Phase Ib clinical trial in MND, supporting complement inhibition as a disease‑modifying strategy. Finally, the development of next‑generation C5aR1 inhibitors with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties will be discussed, positioning these assets for downstream commercial development.
About Neuroscience Seminars
Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.
Seminars in the QBI Auditorium on Level 7 are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details.
