0P3C Karolinska Development Ab

Karolinska Development’s portfolio company Umecrine Cognition presents preclinical data showing effect of golexanolone in a Parkinson’s disease model

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – January 3, 2023. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announces that its portfolio company Umecrine Cognition has presented promising preclinical data of the company´s most advanced drug candidate golexanolone in a widely used model of Parkinson’s disease. The results indicate that golexanolone could improve several symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and further increase the understanding of the drug candidate’s potential role in treating this progressive and debilitating central nervous system disease.

Umecrine Cognition is developing a new class of drugs to alleviate cognitive symptoms caused by liver disease. The company's most advanced drug candidate, golexanolone, is currently being evaluated in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The results from a recently completed study show that golexanolone reverses fatigue, anxiety, depression, and some cognitive and motor alterations in a preclinical model of Parkinson’s disease. This opens new possibilities to expand the development of golexanolone into Parkinson’s disease and other diseases in the central nervous system that shares similar underlying pathological mechanisms.

"These intriguing preclinical results from Umecrine Cognition suggest that golexanolone treatment could improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. We now look forward to supporting our portfolio company in defining appropriate measures to make the most out of these new findings,” says Viktor Drvota, CEO of Karolinska Development.

Karolinska Development's ownership in Umecrine Cognition amounts to 70 percent.

For further information, please contact:

Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development ABPhone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

TO THE EDITORS

About Karolinska Development ABKarolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patient’s lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

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• KD Umecrine Cognition PD data ENG