Bruno Permanne

Strategic advisory on preclinical development, translational science, and portfolio evaluation for CNS therapeutic programs.

Senior leadership role in CNS drug development with end-to-end responsibility for advancing neurodegeneration assets from discovery through IND and Phase II clinical trials. Key contributor to regulatory strategy, scientific communication for fundraising, and cross-functional team management. Highlights: • Led preclinical programs resulting in 7 successful Phase I trials and 1 Phase II-ready program (ASN51) • Authored preclinical sections of multiple IND and CTA submissions (FDA, EMA, MHRA, TGA) • Obtained FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for PSP with ASN90 • Oversaw preclinical biomarker development integrated in 3 clinical trials • Supported fundraising for Series B and C ($125M total) through data package development • Built & led a high-performing team and managed cross-functional global collaborations • MJFF Grant recipient (MJFF-021172) for OGA inhibitor in Parkinson’s Disease • Developed new therapeutic strategies to expand asset potential (e.g., PD indications)

Led the preclinical activities at Asceneuron, advancing CNS drug candidates from preclinical validation to first-in-human trials. Developed translatable biomarker strategies and contributed directly to regulatory and fundraising success. Highlights: • Designed and implemented a clinical biomarker strategy (PD in PBMCs) used in Phase I trials • Contributed to successful EMA CTA approval and completion of a Phase I trial • Secured FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for ASN90 (for PSP) • Supported Series A fundraising ($38M) by delivering robust preclinical data packages • Managed in vitro/in vivo pharmacology programs and aligned bioanalytical workflows with clinical needs • Awarded MJFF grant (MJFF-12580) for novel M1 muscarinic PAM therapeutics

Led the establishment and operation of Asceneuron’s in vitro pharmacology laboratory. Spearheaded cellular screening efforts to identify and advance drug candidates targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Coordinated internal teams and external CRO collaborations to drive preclinical research and ensure regulatory compliance. Highlights: • Tested over 2,500 compounds in cellular assays, identifying 15+ hits and 2 lead candidates. • Implemented cellular screening platforms for M1 muscarinic positive allosteric modulators (M1PAM) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) inhibitor candidates. • Established in vivo pharmacodynamic model measuring IP-One accumulation for M1PAM. • Developed partnerships with CROs to evaluate candidates in Alzheimer’s disease models (CFC, tau transgenic P301L & P301S mice). • Managed licensing submissions and annual declarations to veterinary authorities. • Led and managed a multidisciplinary team of 4 research scientists in in vitro and in vivo pharmacology.

Led a cross-functional CNS drug discovery program targeting Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), from high throughput screening to lead optimization. Responsible for strategy design, risk mitigation, and executive-level presentation. Highlights: • Led discovery for a muscarinic M1 positive allosteric modulator (M1PAM) project for AD treatment from HTS to lead candidate selection • Designed a multi-tiered screening cascade with backup pathways and decision points • Presented program status and milestones to executive governance committees • Drove internal alignment across chemistry, DMPK, and pharmacology teams

Managed a team of scientists supporting CNS drug discovery through assay development, cellular screening, and target validation. Ensured efficient lab operations across multiple projects. Highlights: • Supervised 4 researchers across cell-based and biochemical assay platforms • Supported target identification and validation across neurodegeneration programs • Contributed to 3 early discovery programs (hit-to-lead) in Alzheimer’s disease

Established and led Merck Serono’s histology platform supporting neurodegeneration and multiple sclerosis preclinical research. Key contributor to several preclinical programs through in vivo studies and biomarker analysis. Highlights: • Built and managed a histology laboratory from the ground up • Supervised a team of 4 scientific/technical staff • Delivered histological data for 9 discovery programs in Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis

Led in vitro and in vivo biology teams focused on neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and early drug discovery efforts in Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Developed novel models and assays critical for target validation and translational research. Highlights: • Developed and validated in vitro models of tau hyperphosphorylation and oxidative stress • Established in vivo models for amyloidogenesis, neuroprotection, and neuroinflammation • Served as a core team member on multiple projects targeting Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple sclerosis • Managed laboratory operations and contributed to preclinical research that informed early-stage drug development