In this webinar we uncovered how the brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM) and emerging biomarkers are reshaping our understanding of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, with a focus on their role in disease mechanisms, diagnosis, and therapeutic innovation.
The brain is more than just neurons; it is a complex, finely tuned environment shaped by the extracellular matrix (ECM) and molecular signaling.
This webinar examines the structure and function of the brain ECM, emphasizing its influence on neural plasticity, signaling, and repair. After establishing a foundation in ECM biology, we will explore how this network interacts with disease mechanisms and why it has become a central focus in neuroscience.
Agenda and Speakers
Introductions and welcome to the webinar by moderator Dr. Signe Holm Nielsen
Fluid biomarkers for neurodegeneration and inflammation in neurological diseases – Prof. Dr. Ir. Charlotte Teunissen
Neuroinflammation, biomarkers and upcoming treatments in Multiple Sclerosis – Prof. Dr. Tobias Sejbæk
Should we target the Extracellular Matrix of the Brain in Drug discovery? – Dr. Kim Henriksen
Questions from the chat
Scientific Topics
A major topic will be the growing importance of biomarkers in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease research. Notably, phosphorylated tau at threonine 217 (pTau217) has emerged as a promising diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s disease, representing a significant advance in early detection.
However, identifying equally robust and specific biomarkers for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis remains challenging, with unresolved issues in diagnosis, prognosis, subtyping, and assessment of drug efficacy.
The webinar will conclude by examining how insights into brain ECM dynamics and disease-specific molecular profiles can drive drug discovery and therapeutic innovation, offering new opportunities to develop targeted treatments and improve clinical outcomes.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Charlotte Teunissen
- Prof. Dr. Ir. Charlotte Teunissen is a Full Professor of Neurochemistry dedicated to improving care for neurological disease patients through the development of body fluid biomarkers.
- Her research spans the full biomarker development pipeline—from discovery to assay development, validation, and clinical implementation.
- She leads the body fluid biomarker program at the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, a key center for biomarker innovation in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Prof. Teunissen’s work focuses on biomarkers for diagnosis, patient stratification, prognosis, and treatment monitoring in neurological conditions, particularly dementia.
- She is an international leader in biomarker collaboration, serving as chair of the CSF Society and the Alzheimer’s Association Global Biomarker Standardization Consortium.
- She recently co-founded the Coral proteomics consortium to advance proteomic approaches in biomarker research.
- Prof. Teunissen coordinates the EU-funded Marie Curie MIRIADE project, training 15 early-stage researchers in dementia biomarker development.
- Her team plays a critical role in translating biomarker research into clinical practice, with an emphasis on standardization and global accessibility.
- She is recognized for fostering interdisciplinary and international collaborations to accelerate progress in neurodegenerative disease research.
- Prof. Teunissen’s work is shaping the future of personalized neurology by enabling earlier diagnosis and more precise treatment of dementia and related disorders.
Dr. Kim Henriksen
- Dr. Kim Henriksen is the Director of Endocrinology and Neuroscience at Nordic Bioscience, where he has worked since 2002 and assumed his current leadership role in 2018.
- He leads a team of 15 scientists and technicians focused on developing novel biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly blood-based tools for identifying individuals in need of treatment.
- Dr. Henriksen’s research also targets the development of peptide therapies for metabolic diseases, including obesity, NASH, and type 2 diabetes.
- He is a key inventor behind the DACRA peptide family, with the lead molecule currently in phase 2 clinical development.
- His earlier work led to the patenting and advancement of two peptide families—KBPs and OXMs—now progressing toward clinical use.
- Dr. Henriksen has authored nearly 200 peer-reviewed publications.
- He has an H-index of 65, i10-index of 158, and over 11,985 citations as of August 2024.
- His translational research bridges biomarker science and therapeutic innovation in both endocrinology and neuroscience.
- Dr. Henriksen is widely recognized for his contributions to precision medicine in metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.
- He continues to drive Nordic Bioscience’s strategy in peptide drug development and biomarker discovery for complex chronic diseases.
Prof. Dr. Tobias Sejbæk
- Dr. Tobias Sejbæk is Head of Research and Consultant in Neurology at Esbjerg Hospital, affiliated with the University of Southern Denmark.
- He joined the University of Southern Denmark in 2011 and became Head of Research in 2019.
- Dr. Sejbæk is a leading figure in clinical neurology, particularly in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- He serves as the national Principal Investigator for major MS clinical trials, including FENHANCE, GEMINI, HERCULES, and PERSEUS.
- He has authored nearly 65 peer-reviewed publications and holds an H-index of 15.
- Dr. Sejbæk has received multiple awards for his clinical trial presentations and contributions to advancing MS treatment.
- He is a board member of the Danish Neurological Association, reflecting his national leadership in the neurology community.
- His research focuses on translating clinical data into improved treatment strategies for neurological diseases.
- He actively promotes evidence-based neurology and is committed to integrating new therapies into clinical practice.
- Dr. Sejbæk continues to lead high-impact research and clinical initiatives that shape the future of MS care in Denmark and beyond.
We are also excited to inform you about our upcoming in-person event, The Extracellular Matrix Pharmacology Congress, taking place in Copenhagen in June 2026. This congress will be a unique opportunity to gather with leading experts in the field and explore the latest advancements in extracellular matrix research and pharmacology.
In the meantime, feel free to watch our previous webinars.
The ECM Pharmacology Symposium Series is a close collaboration with our industry sponsor Nordic Bioscience.
