By Nelly Sander, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: Ditte Bech Laursen 

"When I saw the laboratory mice moving freely after the treatment, I was sold. I knew I had to be part of that project."

These are the words of Steinunn Sara Helgudottir. And the realisation came while she was a PhD student on a related project at Aalborg University and became so fascinated by John Nieland's research into the medical treatment of brain diseases that she knocked on his door and asked to be associated with the project when she had finished her PhD.

Today, about six years later, Steinunn Sara Helgudottir is head of research and one of four founders of the biotech company Neurometa Therapeutics in Aalborg. The company currently has six permanent employees, five master's students and a number of consultants, and it is a matter of time before that number may increase significantly. Neurometa Therapeutics hopes to revolutionise the treatment of some of the most feared brain diseases, such as ALS, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.

When the brain changes fuel

Neurometa Therapeutics originates from many years of research at Aalborg University, where John Nieland, Steinunn Sara Helgudottir and their colleagues have worked intensively on energy formation in neurons.

More specifically, they are developing drugs that correct a fundamental error in the energy metabolism of diseased neurons: When neurons get sick, they switch from using sugar (glucose) to using fat as an energy source, and this has negative consequences for the brain, which, put simply, needs that fat for other purposes.

Collaboration with the university yields results

Neurometa Therapeutics has had a close collaboration with Aalborg University from the beginning. The company has rented laboratory space, had access to equipment and collaborated with researchers and students, which has been crucial for the development. Many master's and PhD students have done internships or projects in the company, which has given it access to the brightest young talents and created a strong innovation environment.

" Without Aalborg University and their goodwill, it would not have been possible. We have had many exceptionally talented students involved, and they have made a huge difference for us," says Steinunn Sara Helgudottir.

Developing drugs and getting them approved for the market is a slow process, but according to Steinunn, they expect to be able to start clinical trials on humans within a year and a half and hope to have a product for ALS on the market in about five years. 

Growth, visions and North Jutland as a biotech hub

Neurometa Therpeutics and Aalborg University share an ambition to create a strong biotech environment in North Jutland, enabling local talent to remain in the region and contribute to growth and job creation.

"We are working hard to create a biohub in Aalborg. We want to ensure that the talented young people we educate have the opportunity to stay in the region and contribute to growth," says Steinunn.