Discovery of new fungi compound leads to hope for potential Parkinson’s drug

Researchers in Hamilton, Ontario are developing a new drug to potentially treat depression and neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and Parkinson's, following the discovery of a promising fungi compound at McMaster University. Former post-doctoral fellow Timsy Bhando identified the compound, called KCB-100, while building a library of fungal extracts under the guidance of Professor Eric Brown from the department of biochemistry and biomedical sciences. KCB-100 shows potential to protect neurons, support their survival, and enhance their ability to form networks—critical for combating neuron death seen in conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Bhando explained that many drugs, such as penicillin and statins, originated from fungi, emphasizing the need to revisit nature for solutions. “Neurological disorders are among the greatest unmet needs,” Bhando said, highlighting the importance of finding treatments for millions affected by diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and depression. Bhando's work earned her recognition from Mitacs, a Canadian innovation organization, for her project’s potential societal and economic impacts. “It validates that what we’re doing is important,” Bhando shared, adding that it inspires her to continue leveraging natural compounds to tackle major healthcare challenges. Now employed by Kapoose Creek Bio, a biotech company led by Brown and focused on natural drug discovery, Bhando is working to optimize KCB-100 for preclinical trials within six months. Kapoose Creek Bio has expanded operations to McMaster Innovation Park and incorporates artificial intelligence to accelerate drug development. The company stated that "drug discovery from nature is experiencing a renaissance,” as they strive to revolutionize treatments for diseases of the central nervous system and beyond.