Clene Inc. Announces Significant ALS Biomarker Results for CNM-Au8®
SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, has revealed promising outcomes from recent analyses regarding its drug CNM-Au8® for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These FDA-recommended biomarker analyses demonstrate statistically significant reductions in neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), reinforcing the potential of CNM-Au8 as a disease-modifying treatment.
Key Findings from Recent Analyses
The analyses indicate strong associations between biomarker improvements and increased survival rates among ALS patients treated with CNM-Au8. Rob Etherington, President and CEO of Clene, stated, “Statistically significant NfL reductions in more advanced real-world ALS patients… make a strong case for accelerated approval.” Clene is planning to present these findings in a Type C meeting with the FDA in Q1 2026 as part of its application for accelerated approval.
Comprehensive Biomarker Analyses
In late 2024, the FDA recommended a series of analyses to strengthen the findings of CNM-Au8’s effectiveness on NfL and its implications for patient survival. These analyses included:
- Assessment of NfL changes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored Expanded Access Program (EAP).
- Evaluation of additional disease-relevant biomarkers.
- Analysis of NfL trajectories for placebo participants who transitioned to CNM-Au8 during the open-label extension (OLE).
Statistical Results and Implications
The data revealed:
- A statistically significant decrease in NfL levels compared to matched ALS controls, with a p-value of 0.0373.
- Similar declines in NfL were observed in the original HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, highlighting the robustness of the findings.
- Significant declines in GFAP during the double-blind period were also noted, correlating closely with reductions in NfL.
Link Between Biomarkers and Survival
Importantly, the decline in both NfL and GFAP biomarkers has been associated with improved survival rates among CNM-Au8-treated participants. Noteworthy statistics include:
- An 80% reduction in the risk of death was observed in participants with substantial declines in both biomarkers.
- In updated survival analyses conducted on participants randomly assigned to CNM-Au8 30 mg, a 73% reduction in mortality risk was reported.
Future Steps and Investor Engagement
Clene Inc. is committed to advancing its program under the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway for ALS. The company’s upcoming investor webcast today at 8:30 am ET will elaborate on these results and their implications for future regulatory interactions.
With the promising data surrounding CNM-Au8’s impact on ALS biomarkers and survival rates, CLNN continues to position itself as a key player in the biopharmaceutical landscape, dedicated to transforming treatment outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.