Canary Islands, 19 June 2026. The Canary Islands is establishing itself as an emerging benchmark in the research of neurodegenerative diseases, thanks to the work carried out by Molefy Pharma, a biotechnology company headquartered in Tenerife that is driving the development of AP-2 — a therapeutic candidate that could contribute to addressing one of the key mechanisms involved in the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
On the occasion of World ALS Day, the scientific, clinical and socio-health community gathered at the event “ALS in the Canary Islands: Understanding to Move Forward. Science, Care and Socio-health Commitment”, a conference organised by Molefy Pharma in collaboration with ARQUIMEA, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Government of the Canary Islands.
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease currently affecting around 4,500 people in Spain, with approximately 900 new diagnoses each year. In the Canary Islands, it is estimated that between 120 and 130 people are currently living with the condition, which most commonly manifests between the ages of 50 and 70.
A Disease with an Enormous Human and Healthcare Impact
During the conference, Dr Helena Pérez, a specialist physician in the Neurology Department of the Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC), stressed the need to continue investing in research into this disease.
“ALS remains a devastating disease in which we must continue to invest — not only because of the complexity of its diagnosis, but because of the enormous personal, social, healthcare and economic burden it entails. We must not forget its high morbimortality, with an average survival of between two and five years from diagnosis.”
The specialist also highlighted that the knowledge generated around ALS may have broader implications for understanding and tackling other neurodegenerative diseases.
AP-2: A New Pathway for Acting on ALS Progression
One of the central moments of the event was the presentation of the latest scientific advances surrounding AP-2, a therapeutic candidate born out of research developed at the CSIC, whose clinical development is being driven by Molefy Pharma.
Dr Ana Martínez, research professor at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC) and co-founder of Molefy Pharma, explained that the research focuses on the TDP-43 protein, a molecule essential to cell function that is found to be altered in more than 97% of ALS patients.
“In the case of AP-2, we are talking about a therapeutic candidate whose approach stems from a very specific alteration observed in the disease: TDP-43 dysfunction. Our goal is to act on this alteration to help the protein recover its proper localisation and function, thereby addressing one of the mechanisms involved in the progression of the disease,” she said.
The results obtained to date in preclinical models have shown promising outcomes, enabling the research to advance towards a new development phase focused on evaluating the compound’s safety in humans.
Research to Provide New Answers
The need to develop new therapeutic alternatives is particularly pressing given the profound impact the disease has on patients and their families. According to data presented during the conference, 75% of people with ALS require a carer, while 43% are in a situation of permanent disability.
For Alfonso de Egaña, CEO of Molefy Pharma, research represents a responsibility shared with those who live with the disease on a daily basis.
“For Molefy Pharma, driving the development of AP-2 means accepting a responsibility towards people living with ALS and their families. This is a disease that completely transforms the lives of those who suffer from it and those around them. Our commitment is therefore to work rigorously so that research can progress towards new therapeutic answers and bring hope to a disease that, today, still has no cure.”
With initiatives such as this event and the advancement of innovative programmes like AP-2, the Canary Islands reinforces its role within the international scientific and biotechnological ecosystem, contributing from the archipelago to the search for new solutions against one of the most complex and devastating neurodegenerative diseases of our time.