VFDP-12 - Approval to test VITA-FAST compounds for life extension in worms

TLDR

We want to spend $4,000 to test if 20 of the VitaFAST compounds increase life span in worms. We want to use a CRO with an automated WormBot to do the test.

Background

Vita-FAST is developing new autophagy-inducing compounds for potential therapeutic applications. From our recent experiments we have identified 8 compounds from three lead series that are potent at inducing autophagy. From these we have ordered 60 new chemical entities (see VFDP-11) in order to explore the Structure Activity Relationship. These compounds have been identified prioritized and tested on the basis of three autophagy assays developed by the Korolchuk lab at the University of Newcastle. We would now like to, in addition to these assays, begin testing these compounds in worms for life extension as additional data to support the assays.

Objective

To test up to 20 of the VITA-FAST compounds in their to extend lifespan in worms. In order to do so we intend to enter into a CRO service agreement with a worm life extension company to conduct these experiments using a WormBot platform.

Cost Implications

CRO’s charges $100 per compound at each dosage + a 10% overhead fee.

We have to order more of each compound to use in the experiments. A single dose of one compound from our lead series costs on average $80-$100 from our chemical supplier Enamine. A new dose of our NCE synthesised compounds costs on average $650

We expect to test each of the VITA-FAST lead series (8 compounds) + up to twelve of the New Chemical Entities. Accordingly we seek budget approval for:

Other Details

The 8 compounds from the lead series to test are:

• VF-01-001

• VF-01-002

• VF-02-001

• VF-02-002

• VF-05-001

• VF-05-002

• VF-05-003

• VF-05-004

Timing

We intend to send off the 8 derivatives of the lead series immediately.

The NCE’s ordered under VFDP-11 have arrived and are being tested in the existing assays. We expect to select the best 12 for worm life extension experiments by the end of November 2024.

Worm experimnents take ~12 weeks until data however this may be sooner. Hence we would expect data from the first 8 compounds by February 2025 and the next 12 compounds from March 2025.

Recommendation

This is good value for money to get some highly interesting data moving the VITA-FAST project into animals for the first time.