Scientists detect variant gene in Alzheimer's disease

Having genetically screened some 6,000 people, the researchers found that people with Alzheimer’s had distinguishing genetic markers in just one of the seven genes, known as SORL1. Patients with the variant forms of the gene produce less SORL1 than usual, leading to a different traffic pattern and allowing a particular protein in nerve cells, known as the amyloid precursor protein, to be converted into toxic form.

AstraZeneca Decides to Proceed With Targacept In Developing Alzheimer's Drug :: WRAL.com

AstraZeneca Decides to Proceed With Targacept In Developing Alzheimer's Drug :: WRAL.com: "Shares in pharmaceutical development firm Targacept soared more than 22 percent Wednesday morning following news that an Alzheimer’s project will move forward with partner AstraZeneca.
"

Dosing Commenced in Phase IIa PBT2 Trial of Alzheimer's Patients: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Dosing Commenced in Phase IIa PBT2 Trial of Alzheimer's Patients: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Prana Biotechnology Limited (Nasdaq: PRAN / ASX: PBT) today announced that dosing has commenced in its Phase IIa clinical trial of PBT2 in patients with early Alzheimer's disease.

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The PBT2-201-Euro trial is being conducted in seven centers throughout Sweden and will focus on exploring the safety and tolerability of PBT2"

Athenagen commences Alzheimers trial - Pharmaceutical Business Review

Athenagen commences Alzheimers trial - Pharmaceutical Business Review: "Athenagen has commenced a phase II study of the its lead compound, GTS-21, in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

GTS-21 has demonstrated memory and cognition enhancement activity in human clinical trials. GTS-21 has been studied in multiple phase I studies in healthy volunteers and one phase I/II study in schizophrenic patients. In all studies, the compound was well tolerated. "

News: Neuro-Hitech Expands Size of Clinical Trial for Use of Huperzine A in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Genetic Engineering News - Biotechno

News: Neuro-Hitech Expands Size of Clinical Trial for Use of Huperzine A in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Genetic Engineering News - Biotechnology from Bench to Business: "Neuro-Hitech, Inc. (OTCBB: NHPI), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of next-generation compounds against proven targets for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it has decided to expand the enrollment level for its Phase II clinical trial on the efficacy of Huperzine A, a highly promising second-generation acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. The trial will be expanded by 30 to 60 participants,"

PharmaLive: EPIX Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Patients with Mild Alzheimer's Disease

PharmaLive: EPIX Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Patients with Mild Alzheimer's Disease: "EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:EPIX) announced today the initiation of a Phase 2a clinical trial to further evaluate PRX-03140 as monotherapy and in combination with donepezil for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease."

Researcher Charged With Conflict - Forbes.com

Researcher Charged With Conflict - Forbes.com: "In a rare federal prosecution, a leading government Alzheimer's researcher was charged Monday with a criminal conflict of interest for performing lucrative private drug company work that overlapped his official duties.

Prosecutors alleged Dr. Trey Sunderland of the National Institutes of Health received $285,000 in improper consulting fees and travel expenses from Pfizer (nyse: PFE - news - people ), Inc., for work on early indicators of Alzheimer's at the same time he also oversaw similar NIH business with the drugmaker."

Amyloid-busting compound to start trials in Alzheimer’s

Amyloid-busting compound to start trials in Alzheimer’s: "The compound, called caprospinol (SP 233), is remarkable because it appears to not only block the formation of amyloid, thought to contribute to the nerve damage seen in Alzheimers patients, but also cause deposits already present in the brain to disappear."

Medivation Provides Clinical Development Update For Its Three Programs

Medivation Provides Clinical Development Update For Its Three Programs: "'Given the safety and significant efficacy data generated in our recently completed Phase 2 trial in Alzheimer's disease, we believe that aggressive development of Dimebon is clearly merited,' said David Hung, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Medivation. 'We, therefore, are pleased to announce a comprehensive clinical development program that we believe puts us on-track to apply for marketing approval in Alzheimer's disease in 2010. "

Medivation updates Dimebon outlook

Medivation updates Dimebon outlook: Medivation Inc. says positive data from recent midstage studies of Dimebon put the company on track to apply for Food and Drug Administration approval for Alzheimer's in 2010.

Tramiprosate (Alzhemed) Phase II Clinical Results Published in Neurology

PharmaLive: Tramiprosate (Alzhemed) Phase II Clinical Results Published in Neurology: "Neurochem Inc. is pleased to announce that Neurology...has published today an online version of a publication on the Phase II clinical trial of tramiprosate (3-amino-1-propanesulfonic acid (3APS); ALZHEMED(TM)) conducted in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Tramiprosate (ALZHEMED(TM)) represents a potential new class of disease-modifying agents and is Neurochem's investigational product candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results reported in the paper demonstrate that long-term administration of tramiprosate (ALZHEMED(TM)) is safe, tolerated and reduces the level of amyloid (beta)42 (A(beta)42) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients. In addition, mean ADAS-cog(1) and MMSE(2) scores remained near baseline levels in the mild AD group over the 20 months of follow-up."

Allon Completes Dosing for AL-108 Phase Ib Clinical Trial

Allon Completes Dosing for AL-108 Phase Ib Clinical Trial: "Allon Therapeutics Inc. (TSX:NPC), The Neuro Protection CompanyTM, today announced that dosing has been completed in a Phase Ib human clinical trial evaluating the Company's product AL-108 as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease."

DURECT Provides An Update To The Memryte(TM) Program Under Development By Voyager Pharmaceutical Corp.

DURECT Provides An Update To The Memryte(TM) Program Under Development By Voyager Pharmaceutical Corp.: "DURECT Corporation (Nasdaq: DRRX) announced today that Voyager Pharmaceutical has informed DURECT that Voyager is ending its Phase III clinical trials for Memryte(TM) for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease in order to get an earlier look at potential efficacy from over 600 accrued patients."

starbulletin.com | News | /2006/10/13/

starbulletin.com | News | /2006/10/13/: "A University of Hawaii professor of psychiatry who participated in a national study of antipsychotic drugs used to treat Alzheimer's disease said he 'wouldn't make a blanket statement' that they are not effective.

'And this is only Phase 1 results,' said Dr. Iqbal 'Ike' Ahmed, principal investigator for the research in Hawaii. The study had four phases, he pointed out."

PipelineReview.com | Business Intelligence Center - Regulatory Approval to Start PBT2 Phase IIa Clinical Trial in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

PipelineReview.com | Business Intelligence Center - Regulatory Approval to Start PBT2 Phase IIa Clinical Trial in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: "Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ: PRAN, ASX: PBT), today announced that it has received regulatory approval from Sweden’s Medical Products Agency (MPA) to start a Phase IIa clinical trial of its proprietary lead compound, PBT2, in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. The trial will be conducted in seven centres in Sweden.

The study, which will commence next month, will evaluate the safety and tolerability of PBT2. In addition, it will examine the drug’s mechanism of action and indicators of potential efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Results are expected to be announced in the fourth quarter of 2007."

Pot-Like Compound May Slow Alzheimer's

Pot-Like Compound May Slow Alzheimer's: "A marijuana-like compound may cut brain inflammation and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, scientists report.

The compound is a synthetic cannabinoid, made in a lab to resemble marijuana."

Memory halts study after FDA requests more data - Pharmaceutical Business Review

Memory halts study after FDA requests more data - Pharmaceutical Business Review: "Memory Pharmaceuticals has halted its phase IIa trial of MEM 3454 for Alzheimer's disease, after the FDA raised concerns over data relating to the drug."

UCSD receives $52 million to lead Alzheimer's disease study

UCSD receives $52 million to lead Alzheimer's disease study: "The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), a federally established consortium directed by Leon Thal, M.D., Director of the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, will receive $52 million over six years to conduct several new clinical trials on Alzheimer's disease, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced today. The award is the third renewal of a cooperative agreement between the NIH's National Institute on Aging (NIA) and UC San Diego, which coordinates the consortium of nearly 70 research sites in the United States and Canada."

Durect says Voyager ends trial of Alzheimer's drug�|�Reuters.com

Durect says Voyager ends trial of Alzheimer's drug�|�Reuters.com: "Durect Corp. (DRRX.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said that Voyager Pharmaceutical is ending its late-stage trials of an Alzheimer's disease treatment that uses Durect's sustained-release technology.

Durect, which specializes in drug-delivery technology, said Voyager had ended the Phase III trials of its drug, called Memryte, 'in order to get an earlier look at potential efficacy' from over 600 patients."

CTV.ca | Alzheimer's study focuses on plant used in China

CTV.ca | Alzheimer's study focuses on plant used in China: "A plant used widely in China is the focus of a national clinical trial that aims to see if it could help treat Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

The University of North Carolina Hospitals are participating in the national clinical trial on Chinese club moss, which is already being sold in stores with nutritional supplements and is used in China as a treatment for cognitive disorders."

Drug class not effective for Alzheimer`s

Drug class not effective for Alzheimer`s: "A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Md., says antipsychotic drugs used to treat Alzheimer`s patients are mostly ineffective."

Prana PBT2 IIa Trial

Prana PBT2 IIa Trial: "Thursday, Prana Biotechnology Limited (PRAN | charts | news | PowerRating), revealed the grant of approval from regulatory authority of Sweden, Medical Products Agency to initiate PhaseIIa clinical trial for its drug, PBT2, indicated in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Sweden. The company said the trial would be conducted at seven locations and expects results of the trial during the fourth quarter of 2007."

Regulatory Approval To Start PBT2 Phase IIa Clinical Trial In Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Regulatory Approval To Start PBT2 Phase IIa Clinical Trial In Alzheimer's Disease Patients: "Prana Biotechnology Limited (Nasdaq: PRAN; ASX: PBT), today announced that it has received regulatory approval from Sweden's Medical Products Agency (MPA) to start a Phase IIa clinical trial of its proprietary lead compound, PBT2, in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. The trial will be conducted in seven centres in Sweden."

Optics Tests for Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis Make Significant Advances

Newswise | Optics Tests for Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis Make Significant Advances: "Providing an update on progress and new findings on his optical tests for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, Lee Goldstein of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School will describe dramatic new developments in the technology during a plenary talk at Frontiers in Optics, the annual meeting of the Optical Society of America (OSA) in Rochester, N.Y., which takes place next week.

At the plenary talk, Goldstein will present “proof of concept” evidence obtained in mice that the tests can detect early molecular signs of the disease in the eye even before Alzheimer’s pathology is present in the brain. This achievement raises hopes for detecting the disease at its earliest stages and slowing the progression of the disease to a crawl."

Newswise | Optics Tests for Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis Make Significant Advances

Newswise | Optics Tests for Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis Make Significant Advances: "Providing an update on progress and new findings on his optical tests for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, Lee Goldstein of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School will describe dramatic new developments in the technology during a plenary talk at Frontiers in Optics, the annual meeting of the Optical Society of America (OSA) in Rochester, N.Y., which takes place next week.

At the plenary talk, Goldstein will present “proof of concept” evidence obtained in mice that the tests can detect early molecular signs of the disease in the eye even before Alzheimer’s pathology is present in the brain. This achievement raises hopes for detecting the disease at its earliest stages and slowing the progression of the disease to a crawl."

Copper helps brain function — could tweaking circuits make us smarter?

Copper helps brain function — could tweaking circuits make us smarter?: "The flow of copper in the brain has a previously unrecognized role in cell death, learning and memory, according to research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The researchers' findings suggest that copper and its transporter, a protein called Atp7a, are vital to human thinking. They speculate that variations in the genes coding for Atp7a, as well as other proteins of copper homeostasis, could partially account for differences in thinking among individuals."

JS Online:Alzheimer's might share traits with prion disorders

JS Online:Alzheimer's might share traits with prion disorders: "Scientists have been able to induce brain disease in mice by injecting extracts of the brains of people who died of Alzheimer's disease, a finding that suggests that Alzheimer's has some characteristics of prion brain disorders such as mad cow disease and chronic wasting disease."

ScienceDaily: Copper Circuits Help Brain Function -- Could Tweaking The Circuits Make Us Smarter?

ScienceDaily: Copper Circuits Help Brain Function -- Could Tweaking The Circuits Make Us Smarter?: "The flow of copper in the brain has a previously unrecognized role in cell death, learning and memory, according to research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The researchers' findings suggest that copper and its transporter, a protein called Atp7a, are vital to human thinking. They speculate that variations in the genes coding for Atp7a, as well as other proteins of copper homeostasis, could partially account for differences in thinking among individuals."

Alzheimer's might share traits with prion disorders

JS Online:Alzheimer's might share traits with prion disorders: "Scientists have been able to induce brain disease in mice by injecting extracts of the brains of people who died of Alzheimer's disease, a finding that suggests that Alzheimer's has some characteristics of prion brain disorders such as mad cow disease and chronic wasting disease."

Transition Therapeutics rises on drug deal with Elan

globeandmail.com : Transition Therapeutics rises on drug deal with Elan: "Transition Therapeutics Inc. is teaming up with Dublin-based Elan Corp. to develop a new drug against Alzheimer's disease, in a deal that could land the Canadian company $200-million (U.S.).

The collaboration announced Wednesday covers development and commercialization of Toronto-based Transition's therapeutic agent AZD-103."

Medivation Shares Soar on Dimebon Study Results

Medivation Shares Soar on Study Results: "Biotechnology company Medivation Inc. said Thursday a midstage study testing its Dimebon treatment for Alzheimer's showed the drug was significantly effective, sending shares soaring in morning trading.

The Phase II clinical trial involved 183 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease at 11 sites in Russia. The drug met all five of its efficacy endpoints, which included different measurement scales for improvement in the disease, during the six-month, randomized and double-blind study.

Results also showed the drug was well tolerated with mild side effects."

BioWorld Today

BioWorld Today: "Addex Pharmaceuticals SA raised CHF40 million (US$31.9 million) in a Series C financing to fund Phase II trials of its lead compound, ADX10059, a negative allosteric modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), in three different indications.

Also in development...ADX50938, which also acts on mGluR5, is in development for schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease."

Medivation's Dimebon Meets All Five Efficacy Endpoints in Phase 2 Alzheimer's Disease Study

Medivation's Dimebon Meets All Five Efficacy Endpoints in Phase 2 Alzheimer's Disease Study: "Medivation, Inc. (AMEX:MDV) today announced that its proprietary drug Dimebon(TM) met all five efficacy endpoints in a six-month randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical study of 183 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease conducted at 11 sites in Russia"

TTP4488 Phase II Trial company gets funding

WRAL Local Tech Wire: business, technology, biotechnology, and venture capital news from across the southeastern region: "Privately held TransTech Pharma has landed a drug development deal worth at least $155 million with Pfizer.

Pfizer is also pumping $18 million into TransTech for expansion of its drug research capabilities.

The two companies are teaming up to pursue development of TransTech compounds that could combat Alzheimer’s disease.

TransTech’s TTP488 compound is currently being tested in a Phase II clinical study of Alzheimer’s patients. Its TTP4000 compound is expected to enter clinical trial before the end of 2006."

MX-4509

MIGENIX Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2007 Financial Results: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "The decrease in clinical program development costs from Q1/06 to Q1/07 was primarily due to a decrease in MX-4509 program costs resulting from the Q1/06 decision to pursue potential orphan indications, and not proceeding with a planned phase I/II trial in Alzheimer's patients. "

AZD-103

CNW Group: "Positive Results Released from Canadian Phase I Clinical Trial of AZD-103 showed that AZD-103 has a favourable pharmacokinetic profile and preliminary safety data indicated that AZD-103 was well tolerated and no safety concerns or significant adverse events were observed in the study."

Evotec Discontinues EVT 301 Development Programme: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Evotec Discontinues EVT 301 Development Programme: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX 30) today reported that during the one month safety and tolerability study with EVT 301 in young and elderly volunteers, several cases of asymptomatic elevated liver function tests in the elderly group have been observed. All cases reversed spontaneously. No cases of elevated liver function tests were observed within the young healthy volunteer group."

Presenilins may control calcium balance

The Hindu News Update Service: "According to a press release from EurekAlert, the researchers found that two genes mutated in familial Alzheimer's disease known as presenilins may control the balance of calcium within cells by acting as a calcium channel."

CNW Group

CNW Group: "NeuroMedix Inc. ('NeuroMedix') (TSXV: NMX) today announced that it has completed maximum tolerated dose ('MTD') studies in two species of animals for Minozac, its lead drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The MTD studies were completed in two species of animal and have defined the MTD of the compound based on oral dosing to be in excess of 40 times the therapeutic dose used in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The results demonstrate that Minozac has no obvious side-effects that might limit its therapeutic use in human patients. The MTD results will be used to select a starting dose for longer-term 28-day repeat dose studies as well as in additional safety pharmacology studies."

Natural Protective Mechanism Against Neuronal Death In Alzheimer's Found

Natural Protective Mechanism Against Neuronal Death In Alzheimer's Found: "Researchers have uncovered what appears to be a natural protective mechanism against a central cause of neuronal death in Alzheimer's and similar neurodegenerative diseases. They theorize that it may be possible to use drugs to enhance that mechanism, to alleviate Alzheimer's pathology....Basically, in studies with mice, flies, and brain tissue from human patients, they discovered that the enzyme puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA) snips apart the abnormal tangles of protein called tau that are associated with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and similar "tauopathy" diseases."

Lexicon Genetics Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial Of LX6171 For Cognitive Disorders

Lexicon Genetics Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial Of LX6171 For Cognitive Disorders: "Lexicon Genetics Incorporated (Nasdaq: LEXG) announced today that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for LX6171, a novel, orally administered small molecule compound for cognitive disorders. The trial initiation follows the clearance in July of Lexicon's Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) filing for LX6171 by the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). "

NeuroMedix preparing for phase I Alzheimer's Drug Trial

CNW Group: "NeuroMedix Inc. ('NeuroMedix') (TSXV: NMX) today announced that it has produced its first kilogram-scale batch of clinical grade cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) Minozac for late stage pre-clinical toxicology studies and for human safety Phase I studies."

The company expects to submit a regulatory filing for the initiation of a trial by the end of 2006.

PipelineReview.com | Business Intelligence Center - Allon begins dosing for AL-108 Phase Ib clinical trial

PipelineReview.com | Business Intelligence Center - Allon begins dosing for AL-108 Phase Ib clinical trial: "Allon Therapeutics Inc. announced it has begun dosing in a Phase Ib human clinical trial evaluating the Company’s product AL-108 as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. "

Skin test may help detect early Alzheimer's

Skin test may help detect early Alzheimer's: "According to scientists at the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI), substances in skin cells may provide doctors with a quick and accurate yes-or-no answer when they suspect a patient is showing early signs of the disease."

Myriad Genetics Completes Enrollment in U.S. Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Flurizan for Alzheimer's Disease:

Myriad Genetics Completes Enrollment in U.S. Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Flurizan for Alzheimer's Disease: "Myriad Genetics, Inc. announced today that it has completed enrollment in its U.S. Phase 3 clinical trial of Flurizan™ for patients with Alzheimer's disease. "

New Results Published on Pharmexa's Padre Epitope in Alzheimer's Vaccine

PharmaLive: New Results Published on Pharmexa's Padre Epitope in Alzheimer's Vaccine: "A group of scientists from the Institute of Molecular Medicine at Huntington Beach (California) and the Institute of Brain Aging and Dementia at the University of California has published new pre-clinical data on an experimental Alzheimer's vaccine incorporating Pharmexa's proprietary PADRE� epitope. The results are published in the recent edition of Vaccine (vol. 24, 2275-2282)"

Salt Lake Tribune - Alzheimer's drug goes to final testing

Salt Lake Tribune - Alzheimer's drug goes to final testing: "That performance came despite a 52 percent increase in research and development costs, to $24.3 million. The bulk of that spending was for Flurizan, which the company also announced Tuesday had completed enrollment for Phase 3 testing.
In all, 1,600 patients will participate in an 18-month national study. That trial could be cut back to a year if results are exceptionally positive, after which an application for approval by the Food and Drug Administration could be filed."

Accera Raises $7.5M

Accera Raises $7.5M: "Broomfield, Colorado-based Accera has raised $7.5M in a Series B round, the firm said Wednesday. Accera is developing drugs focused on treating Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases."

CNW Group

CNW Group: "Transition Therapeutics Inc. ('Transition') (TSX: TTH), announced today the results from a phase I clinical trial of its lead Alzheimer's disease drug product AZD-103. Thirteen healthy volunteers were dosed in the study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of a single ascending dose of AZD-103. The study showed that AZD-103 has a favourable pharmacokinetic profile that supports the targeted therapeutic dosing levels for AZD-103."

Evotec's Alzheimer's drug OK in phase 1

Evotec's Alzheimer's drug OK in phase 1: "U.S. firm Evotec said Tuesday EVT 101, a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, looked promising in a phase 1 trial."

Pharmaceutical Processing

Pharmaceutical Processing: "Transition Therapeutics Inc. has received clearance from the FDA to initiate a Phase I clinical trial for its lead Alzheimer's drug product, AZD-103. The AZD-103 compound is a possible disease-modifying therapeutic drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This unique class of drug candidates may provide significant advantages over the current therapies on the market."

PharmaLive: Pharmexa Discontinues Phase II Trial of Breast Cancer Vaccine

PharmaLive: Pharmexa Discontinues Phase II Trial of Breast Cancer Vaccine: "Pharmexa has outlicensed an AutoVac(TM) program aimed at Alzheimer's disease to H. Lundbeck (PX 106), as well as a DNA version of the HER-2 AutoVac(TM) vaccine (PX 103.2) to Bavarian Nordic, both of which will continue to be supported according to the agreements."

Neurochem CEO: Odds Of Kiacta Approval 'Much Higher' - Forbes.com

Neurochem CEO: Odds Of Kiacta Approval 'Much Higher': "Neurochem's late-stage drug candidate Alzhemed remains the main focus for investors. Preliminary Phase III trial data for the experimental Alzheimer's disease treatment is expected in the second quarter of 2007.
'At a current market cap of $366 million, we believe the Street is only giving Alzhemed a one-in-four probability of approval,' said CIBC's Lian. 'We believe the drug is disproportionately discounted at these levels.'"

New roles for old medications�-

New roles for old medications� "Neil Buckholtz, chief of the Dementias of Aging Branch of the National Institute on Aging, said findings from some small studies suggest that a drug approved for control of blood sugar in diabetes (Avandia), as well as statin drugs known to lower cholesterol 'show promise' as potential treatments for Alzheimer's patients. "

D-Pharm Completes Enrollment for the Phase IIb trial of DP-b99 in Acute Stroke Patients

D-Pharm Completes Enrollment for the Phase IIb trial of DP-b99 in Acute Stroke Patients: "D-Pharm announced today completion of enrollment in its Phase IIb clinical trial of DP-b99. DP-b99 is a unique neuroprotective drug that addresses the array of damaging processes occurring in the brains of stroke patients. The Phase IIb trial results are expected to be available towards the end of 2006 following completion of the 3 month follow-up period."

Lexicon gets OK to start test of Alzheimer's drug

Chron.com | Lexicon gets OK to start test of Alzheimer's drug: "British authorities have given Lexicon Genetics permission to begin its first human trial of a therapy that it developed. The drug is intended to treat Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders."

Transition Gets Go-Ahead for Clinical Trials of Alzheimer's Drug | INS News

Transition Gets Go-Ahead for Clinical Trials of Alzheimer's Drug: "Transition Therapeutics has received clearance from the FDA to initiate a phase I clinical trial for its lead Alzheimer's drug product, AZD-103."

Allon Files CTA to Add Canadian Sites to Phase II Clinical Trial

Allon Files CTA to Add Canadian Sites to Phase II Clinical Trial: "Allon Therapeutics Inc. (TSX:NPC), The Neuro Protection CompanyTM, today announced that it has filed a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) with Health Canada to gain approval to begin recruiting Canadian patients into its ongoing Phase II human clinical trial evaluating the Company's product AL-208 as a treatment for the mild cognitive impairment that commonly occurs following coronary artery bypass graft (MCI post-CABG) surgery."

BTG completes early Alzheimers trial says started yr in strong position

BTG completes early Alzheimers trial says started yr in strong position: "Medical innovations group BTG PLC said it has successfully completed a phase I trial of BGC20-1259, a treatment for Alzheimer's, and that a follow on trial will start once regulatory approval is granted. "

TorreyPines Therapeutics Completes Second Phase I Study for NGX267, a Selective M1 Agonist for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

TorreyPines Therapeutics Completes Second Phase I Study for NGX267, a Selective M1 Agonist for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: "TorreyPines Therapeutics, Inc. today announced completion of its second Phase I study with NGX267 in clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This study evaluated the safety of NGX267 in healthy elderly volunteers. In a previous Phase I study, NGX267, administered as single doses, was shown to be well-tolerated in healthy, younger adult males. NGX267, a selective cholinergic muscarinic, or M1, receptor agonist, has demonstrated potential in providing both symptomatic improvement and disease modification in animal models of Alzheimer's disease."

GnRH Gets Renewed Chance for Alzheimer's Patients

GnRH Gets Renewed Chance for Alzheimer's Patients: "When it comes to therapy for Alzheimer's disease, if a phase II trial isn't all that's expected, try a phase III.

That seems to be the philosophy of Voyager Pharmaceutical of Raleigh, N.C., which reported at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders here that it is moving ahead with phase III trials of a proprietary formulation of leuprolide, the GnRH analog, despite mixed findings in a phase II clinical trial for Alzheimer's."

New hope for Alzheimer's cure

New hope for Alzheimer's cure: "Melbourne scientists have developed a once-a-day pill (PBT2) that they claim may cure Alzheimer's disease. Human trials of the drug start next month.

Study finds antibodies seem to stop Alzheimer's

Chron.com | Study finds antibodies seem to stop Alzheimer's: "Treatment with antibodies naturally produced in the body appears to halt the memory-robbing progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to promising early research that scientists plan to expand over the next year.

Scientists from Cornell University's medical school reported that...the antibodies — a treatment already in use for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases — stopped or slightly reversed the disease in six of eight patients participating in an 18-month clinical trial.

On the basis of these early results, a larger Phase 2 trial with 24 patients already has begun.

Myriad's 24-Month Study of Flurizan Demonstrates Significant Benefit in Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Myriad's 24-Month Study of Flurizan Demonstrates Significant Benefit in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: "Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MYGN) (http://www.myriad.com) announced today that results of its completed Phase 2 follow-on study of Flurizan(TM) in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease were presented at the 10th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, in Madrid, Spain, by Dr. Gordon Wilcock, Professor of Clinical Gerontology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, and lead investigator for the Phase 2 trial. The data suggest that study participants taking 800 mg BID of Flurizan demonstrated a substantial benefit over other dose groups in the study and that this benefit continued to increase over 24 months, for each of the evaluated areas of cognition, memory loss, global function and activities of daily living."

Eye test 'could spot Alzheimer's'

Eye test 'could spot Alzheimer's': "Early dementia could be detected with a simple eye test, similar to those used to test for high blood pressure and diabetes, US scientists believe.

The test, developed by a team led by Dr Lee Goldstein, of Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, uses a non-invasive laser to study the lens of the eye.

It checks for deposits of beta-amyloid - the protein found in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease."

New hope for women with Alzheimer's disease

New hope for women with Alzheimer's disease: "Leuprolide acetate helps women with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease maintain functional capabilities for a longer period of time, according to data presented Monday by Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation."

Leuprolide Acetate Maintains Functional Capabilities In Women With Alzheimer's Disease

Leuprolide Acetate Maintains Functional Capabilities In Women With Alzheimer's Disease: "Women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who are treated with the investigational hormone drug leuprolide acetate and conventional therapy with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) seem to maintain their cognitive and physical function longer than women treated with AChEI therapy alone, according to phase II results released at the Tenth International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ICAD). "

Cumulative Research Indicates Huperzine A Offers Potential Advantages Over AChE Inhibitors Used in U.S. to Treat Alzheimer's, Neuro-Hite

Cumulative Research Indicates Huperzine A Offers Potential Advantages Over AChE Inhibitors Used in U.S. to Treat Alzheimer's, Neuro-Hitech Study Finds: "umulative research on the development of huperzine A -- an alkaloid extract of the plant Huperzia serrata -- as a treatment for Alzheimer's shows it may have advantages over other AChE inhibitors being used in the U.S. to treat Alzheimer's Disease (AD), according to early results in a new study from Neuro-Hitech (OTCBB: NHPI),"

A phase II study is currently underway.

Utah test drug on Alzheimer's hailed

Utah test drug on Alzheimer's hailed: "At a conference in Spain Monday, MUSC researchers said that Flurizan, an investigational drug from Myriad Genetics of Salt Lake City, seems to reduce the frequency of serious psychiatric events associated with Alzheimer's disease. "

Astellas gives up development of Alzheimer's drug

Astellas gives up development of Alzheimer's drug: "Astellas Pharma Inc. (4503.T: Quote, Profile, Research), Japan's third-biggest drug maker, said on Tuesday it has given up development of its Alzheimer's disease treatment FK962 due to a lack of clear evidence of efficacy from clinical trial data.

The drug had been in Phase II clinical trials in the United States."

Flurizan Phase II Trial Update

Easy bourse - NEWS: "Myriad Genetics Inc.'s (MYGN) Flurizan drug 'significantly' reduced the number of psychiatric events Alzheimer's patients experienced by 60%, according to a Phase II trial conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina. "

Diabetes treatments may help Alzheimers�|�Reuters.com

Diabetes treatments may help Alzheimers�|�Reuters.com: "Diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions appear to worsen the risk of Alzheimer's disease but drugs that help regulate blood sugar may help patients with dementia as well, researchers report."

Allon's Compound Shows Effect on Both Classic Hallmarks of Alzheimer's

Allon's Compound Shows Effect on Both Classic Hallmarks of Alzheimer's: "The Neuro Protection CompanyTM, announced today that the Company's proprietary compound NAP has been shown in preclinical studies to be effective in reducing both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, two pathologies most closely correlated with Alzheimer's disease in humans. "

Athenagen and Zapaq to Merge: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Athenagen and Zapaq to Merge: "- Athenagen, Inc. and Zapaq, Inc., both privately held biopharmaceutical companies, said today that they have signed a letter of intent to merge the two companies. The companies both have leading programs focused on neurological diseases, including several proprietary compounds targeting Alzheimer's disease. The merger is expected to be completed before the end of August."

Genetic Engineering News Reports on Neurobiotechnology Developments

Genetic Engineering News Reports on Neurobiotechnology Developments: "Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies view the brain as the number-one target for drug development over the next decade, reports Genetic Engineering News (GEN; www.genengnews.com). Numerous public and private companies are developing novel therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, pain, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, obesity, hearing loss, and sleep disorders, according to the July issue of GEN."

The press release notes that Targacept is targeting specific NNR subtypes, and Saegis is developing drugs including SGS742 for cognition-enhancement.

Using PET scans to discover early signs of Alzheimer's

The June 27, 2006 edition of of the Wall Street Journal had an article on page D2 by Laura Johannes about using PET scans to get an early diagnosis of AD. It says, "Neurologists say PET is an excellent tool for distinguishing between Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, which can look similar in the early stages but progress differently."

Doctors are less enthusiastic about using PET scans to diagnose people who only have mild memory problems. It sounds like it gives a lot of false positives. A study investigating its usefulness as a diagnostic tool is under way.

Lexicon Genetics Files Application For LX6171 Phase 1 Trial For Cognitive Disorders

Lexicon Genetics Files Application For LX6171 Phase 1 Trial For Cognitive Disorders: "Lexicon Genetics Incorporated (Nasdaq: LEXG) announced today that it has submitted a Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) filing to the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for LX6171, an internally- developed small molecule compound for cognitive disorders."

Lexicon's LX5171

LX5171: "Thursday, Lexicon Genetics Inc. (a pharmaceutical utility of genes, said it filed a clinical trial authorization for LX6171 with the United Kingdom Medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency or MHRA. The company disclosed that the LX6171 is a small molecule compound for the treatment of cognitive disorders. Lexicon said it expects to develop the LX6171 for the treatment of cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, vascular dementia, attention deficit disorder and fragile X syndrome."

Athenagen Announces Publication of Results From a Proof-of-Concept Trial of Its Novel alpha-7 Nicotinic Receptor Agonist in Schizophrenia: Financial N

Athenagen Announces Publication of Results From a Proof-of-Concept Trial of Its Novel alpha-7 Nicotinic Receptor Agonist in Schizophrenia: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "'We are encouraged by these data demonstrating utility of GTS-21 for cognition enhancement in schizophrenia,' stated Henry Hsu, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Athenagen. 'Taken together with Phase 1 data demonstrating safety and also cognition enhancement in healthy volunteers, we intend to further study GTS-21 in diseases associated with cognitive deficiency, such as Alzheimer's disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.'"

New test could help answer questions about Alzheimer's

AP Wire | 06/25/2006 | New amyloid beta test could help answer questions about Alzheimer's: Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis just published a study in the journal Nature showing for the first time that amyloid beta is rapidly produced and cleard. A surprising result given that it is a key protein associated with the development of AD, and that the disease takes so long to develop. They intend to use this new amyloid beta test to monitor protein levels for research. It was unclear whether the test would be useful for diagnosis, but it seems unlikely, at least for the immediate future, since the findings are that amyloid beta isn't behaving as researchers thought it would.

Athenagen Advances Angiogenesis Drug to Clinical Testing

Athenagen Advances Angiogenesis Drug to Clinical Testing: "and our Phase II compound, GTS-21, targeting Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia."

Renewed Hopes for Beta-Amyloid Vaccine to Treat Alzheimer's

Science & Technology at Scientific American.com: Renewed Hopes for Vaccine to Treat Alzheimer's: "After just four months of biweekly injections, mice in the preventative group had as much as 30 percent less beta-amyloid buildup than untreated controls had; after a year, up to 50 percent less. 'The final reduction rate of beta amyloid burden in the cerebral cortex at 18 months of age was roughly 38.5 percent of untreated groups,' the team writes in their report, published online this week by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences."

Renewed Hopes for Beta-Amyloid Vaccine to Treat Alzheimer's

Science & Technology at Scientific American.com: Renewed Hopes for Vaccine to Treat Alzheimer's: "After just four months of biweekly injections, mice in the preventative group had as much as 30 percent less beta-amyloid buildup than untreated controls had; after a year, up to 50 percent less. 'The final reduction rate of beta amyloid burden in the cerebral cortex at 18 months of age was roughly 38.5 percent of untreated groups,' the team writes in their report, published online this week by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences."

Chinese Moss Extract Tested as Alzheimer's Drug - Forbes.com

Chinese Moss Extract Tested as Alzheimer's Drug - Forbes.com: "Can a compound derived from the Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata improve brain function in Alzheimer's patients?

That's a question U.S. researchers hope to answer as they recruit participants for a new clinical trial on the compound, called huperzine A, from 28 sites across the country.

The Phase II clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of huperzine A will enroll about 150 patients, age 55 and older, with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Huperzine A is a naturally occurring cholinesterase inhibitor that's commonly used in China to treat Alzheimer's."

Axonyx and TorreyPines Therapeutics Announce Merger Agreement; Transaction Creates Robust Portfolio in the CNS Disease Area

Breaking News: Axonyx and TorreyPines Therapeutics Announce Merger Agreement; Transaction Creates Robust Portfolio in the CNS Disease Area: "Axonyx Inc. and TorreyPines Therapeutics, Inc., a private company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement."

Pharma response to Alzheimer's drug ruling

Independent Online Edition > Business News: "Executives from five rival pharmaceutical companies will meet at the offices of a City law firm tomorrow to thrash out their response to a (UK) government decision to deny Alzheimer's drugs to thousands of patients."

FoldRx Pharmaceuticals lands $43M in second round

FoldRx Pharmaceuticals lands $43M in second round:: "FoldRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. has landed $43 million in second-round venture financing to help fuel continued clinical trials.

FoldRx, which is based in Cambridge (MA), raised an initial $16 million round in December 2004. The latest round will help support clinical trials for its lead drug compound, Fx-1006A, which is finishing an early-stage or Phase I trial to treat diseases of protein misfolding in the brain or heart."

Tramiprosate (Alzhemed™) preclinical results

Tramiprosate (Alzhemed™) preclinical results published in Neurobiology of Aging: "Neurochem Inc. is pleased to announce that Neurobiology of Aging...has published an online version of a publication on the preclinical development of tramiprosate (3-amino-1-propanesulfonic acid; Alzhemed™), including efficacy results in a mouse model of brain amyloidosis...The results presented in this paper include the amyloid binding and neuroprotective characteristics of tramiprosate (Alzhemed™) and provide evidence for the potential disease-modifying effect of this product candidate to slow or arrest the progression of AD."

Daytrading, Eminis, Forex trading, Swing Trading BREAKING NEWS - 270482

MEM 3454 Delayed: "On Thursday, Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp. a drug developer for disorder of the central nervous system, said that the commencement of its Phase 2a clinical trial of MEM 3454, the Company's lead nicotinic alpha-7 receptor partial agonist, in Alzheimer's disease, has been delayed. The delay has occurred owing to a feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, raising its concern over the potential impurities in the clinical material that the company proposed to use in the Phase 2a trial. The trial, which was anticipated to begin in June 2006, has been postponed to later this year."

Allon Begins Enrolment for AL-208 Phase II Clinical Trial

Allon Begins Enrolment for AL-208 Phase II Clinical Trial: "Allon Therapeutics Inc. (TSX:NPC), The Neuro Protection CompanyTM, today announced that patient enrolment has begun for a Phase II human clinical trial evaluating the Company's product AL-208 as a treatment for the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that commonly occurs following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery."

Scientific Paper Confirms Mechanism of Allon's Drugs

Scientific Paper Confirms Mechanism of Allon's Drugs: "
The published study shows that Allon's proprietary compounds, ADNF-9 (AL-209), D-NAP (AL-408) and D-ADNF-9 (AL-309) bind to and interact with tubulin, the proteins that form microtubules. Microtubules are the communication pathways inside nerve cells (neurons). Assembly of microtubules is essential for the ongoing regeneration of the nervous system and for combating neurodegenerative diseases."

Targacept announces trial results on memory drug

Targacept announces trial results on memory drug :: "A drug designed to improve the memory of older people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders achieved statistically significant positive results in treating age-associated memory impairments in a Phase 2 clinical trial, according to the Winston-Salem drug discovery firm Targacept."

New Strategy For Alzheimer's Under Study

Newly identified compounds provide binding site for neurotrophins: "The study team, from the San Francisco Veteran Administration Medical Center and the University of North Carolina, identified several compounds that reportedly could play a role in treating degenerative conditions of the nervous system."

The study was published in the Journal of Neuroscience

Prana to advance Alzheimers drug with phase IIa trial

Prana to advance Alzheimers drug with phase IIa trial: "Prana Biotechnology plans to move forward with a phase IIa clinical trial of its proprietary lead compound, PBT2, in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

The study is expected to commence enrollment in the fourth quarter of 2006, subject to final regulatory approval. Results are expected to be reported by the end of 2007."

The trial will take place at several sites in Sweden.

Fibrillex & Alzhemed

At Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Neurochem highlights important developments for key product candidates: "'We have achieved major milestones for Fibrillex(TM) and Alzhemed(TM) in the past year and fiscal 2006 promises to be as exciting,' said Dr. Francesco Bellini, Neurochem's Chairman, President and CEO. 'We continue to strengthen our Company by reaching important stages in the development of our key product candidates. The filing by the FDA of the NDA for Fibrillex(TM), along with the priority review designation that we have recently announced is a major accomplishment for our Company. With the completion of the North American Phase III clinical trials for Alzhemed(TM) scheduled for January 2007, we are taking important strides towards the possibility of introducing our innovative product candidates to patients around the world, pending approval by the regulatory agencies.'"

Eisai Will Initiate Phase I Study for E2012, a Potential New Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Eisai Will Initiate Phase I Study for E2012, a Potential New Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease: "Eisai Medical Research Inc., a U.S. clinical research subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., announced today that it will initiate a Phase I clinical trial for E2012, a gamma secretase modulator that is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease. This will be the first clinical trial of E2012 in people."

Icagen Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results | Nachrichten |

Icagen Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results: "The Company's collaboration with Astellas Pharma, Inc. ('Astellas'), the research phase of which was completed during 2003, allows for the selection of compounds generated by the collaboration by Astellas for certain specified indications and by Icagen for certain other specified indications. Astellas is evaluating compounds generated by the collaboration for potential further development in dementia, including Alzheimer's disease."

Allon Therapeutics Releases First Quarter Operating Results

Allon Therapeutics Releases First Quarter Operating Results: "In addition, Allon completed additional pre-clinical work to better define the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AL-108, as well as to broaden further its safety profile. In a Phase I study of AL-108 last year, the drug was safe and well-tolerated and no drug related events were reported. The next step for this drug is a Phase Ib human clinical trial to show multiple-ascending dose safety in patients most at risk for Alzheimer's disease."

PBT2 Phase IIa Clinical Trial in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

PBT2 Phase IIa Clinical Trial in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: "Prana Biotechnology Limited (Nasdaq: PRAN, ASX: PBT), today announced that it plans to move forward with a Phase IIa clinical trial of its proprietary lead compound, PBT2, in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study, to be conducted in several sites in Sweden, will evaluate the safety and tolerability of PBT2, as well as measures of the drug's mechanism of action and indicators of potential efficacy in Alzheimer's disease. The study is expected to commence enrollment in the fourth quarter of 2006, subject to final regulatory approval. Results are expected to be reported by the end of 2007."

Memory Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results

Memory Pharmaceuticals Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results: "In addition, based on the recent positive data from our Phase 1 trial for our lead nicotinic alpha-7 receptor agonist, MEM 3454, we plan to commence a Phase 2a trial in Alzheimer's disease.'"

Evotec Announces Q1 2006 Financial Results: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Evotec Announces Q1 2006 Financial Results: "- EVT 301, a Phase I compound with the potential to reduce symptoms progression in Alzheimer's disease, in-licensed from Roche

- One month tolerability study for EVT 301 started end of April; EVT 301 on track to enter Phase II at the end of 2006"

Prana to advance Alzheimers drug with phase IIa trial - Pharmaceutical Business Review

Prana to advance Alzheimers drug with phase IIa trial - : "Prana Biotechnology plans to move forward with a phase IIa clinical trial of its proprietary lead compound, PBT2, in patients with Alzheimer's disease."

A new genetic cause of Alzheimer's disease

Changes in the amyloid promoter lead to a higher production of this protein. (PDF)

Cerebral embolism and Alzheimer's disease -- Kivipelto and Solomon 332 (7550): 1104 -- BMJ

Cerebral embolism and Alzheimer's disease -- Kivipelto and Solomon 332 (7550): 1104 -- BMJ: "These emboli were detected significantly more frequently in patients with dementia, and the frequency was similar in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia"

A real eye opener

Potential Alzheimer's drug being investigated as alterness booster for people who want to skip sleep: "CX717 belongs to a class of drugs called ampakines, which subtly ramp up brain activity by enhancing the action of its main excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate. Cortex Pharmaceuticals, of Irvine, California, which developed CX717, originally saw the drug as a cognitive booster for people with Alzheimer's, but it is its potential to counter the effects of sleep deprivation that is attracting the most attention."

A real eye opener

Potential Alzheimer's drug being investigated as alterness booster for people who want to skip sleep/a>: "CX717 belongs to a class of drugs called ampakines, which subtly ramp up brain activity by enhancing the action of its main excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate. Cortex Pharmaceuticals, of Irvine, California, which developed CX717, originally saw the drug as a cognitive booster for people with Alzheimer's, but it is its potential to counter the effects of sleep deprivation that is attracting the most attention."

Independent Report Received on PBT2 Phase I Clinical Trial: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Independent Report Received on PBT2 Phase I Clinical Trial: "'Having reviewed the safety and pharmacokinetic profile for PBT2 from the two Phase I studies, it certainly appears that the drug is generally well tolerated at doses to 800mg. In both studies, there were no significant differences in overall rates of adverse effects between PBT2 and the placebo groups and there appears to be no relationship between dose and rate of adverse effects. Of the adverse effects that were seen, the vast majority of these were thought to be unrelated to PBT2 treatment. Of the few that were possibly related, they appeared mild and self limiting. The Phase I results provide the confidence needed to move forward to formal Phase II testing in people with Alzheimer's disease,' said Dr. Craig Ritchie, psychiatrist and Director of Mental Health Clinical Trials at University College London and Prana clinical advisor."

Leuprolide phase II study completed

Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation Completes Second Phase II Clinical Study for Alzheimer's Disease: Financial News : "Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation announced Wednesday the completion of a Phase II study that assessed the safety and efficacy of leuprolide acetate in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease in men.

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The 48-week study, known as VP-AD-104, was a double-blind, placebo- controlled, multi-center study. It enrolled 119 men ages 65 and older with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease."

Minozac preclinical development

CNW Group: "NeuroMedix, a company focused on the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases, has commenced cGMP manufacture of its lead compound, Minozac, and expects to initiate pre-clinical toxicology studies, in preparation for a Phase I clinical trial, in the next few weeks. NeuroMedix's clinical development plan is currently focused on Alzheimer's disease, based on the efficacy of Minozac in preventing the release of neurotoxic cytokines from glia in a mouse model of Alzheimer's and in blocking the loss of cognitive function in such mice."

Alzheimer's-Diabetes Theory Set for Drug Test

Alzheimer's Theory Set for Drug Test: "A provocative new theory suggests that one root cause of Alzheimer's disease is linked to diabetes a theory about to be tested in thousands of Alzheimer's patients given the diabetes drug Avandia in hopes of slowing brain decay."

News - Leuprolide Acetate Stabilises Cognitive Decline in Women With Alzheimer's Disease: Presented at AAT

News - Leuprolide Acetate Stabilises Cognitive Decline in Women With Alzheimer's Disease: Presented at AAT: "According to a substudy analysis of a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised, phase 2 clinical trial, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist leuprolide acetate can significantly stabilise cognitive and global functions in women with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) who are on concomitant cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs)."

MEM 3454

Therapeutics Daily: "Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp. (MEMY) disclosed Tuesday that it plans to begin a Phase 2a clinical trial of MEM 3454 in Alzheimer's disease in June."

28-site Trial Studying Chinese Herb As Alzheimer's Treatment

28-site Trial Studying Chinese Herb As Alzheimer's Treatment: "Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center's Memory Disorders Program are directing the first U.S. study to determine whether huperzine A, derived from the Chinese club moss plant Huperzia serrata, improves cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD)."

Shire Announces Good Start to the Year and Guidance Reaffirmed

Shire Announces Good Start to the Year and Guidance Reaffirmed: "Sales of the REMINYL/RAZADYNE range, for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type, are growing well in the Alzheimer's market."

In the three months to March 31, 2006, sales of Reminyl/Reminyl XL were $4.2 million, up 45% from the same quarter in the previous year.

AZD-103

CNW Group: "Transition Therapeutics Inc. ('Transition') (TSX: TTH), announced today that they have received clearance from the Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada to initiate a Phase I clinical trial for lead Alzheimer's product, AZD-103."

"AZD-103 prevents the formation and breaks down existing neurotoxic amyloid beta aggregates,
allowing amyloid peptides to clear from the brain rather than accumulate and form amyloid plaques, a hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease."

Neurochem presents an update on tramiprosate (Alzhemed(TM)) program for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease at 9th International Geneva/Springfield S

Neurochem presents an update on tramiprosate (Alzhemed(TM)) program for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease at 9th International Geneva/Springfield Symposium on Advances in Alzheimer Therapy: "
The data from the open-label extension study of the Phase II clinical trial for tramiprosate (Alzhemed(TM)), involving mild-to-moderate AD patients, continues to show clinically significant benefits on cognitive and global performance measures, with stabilization of the disease in a proportion of mild patients (four out of nine) after three years of treatment."

Axonyx up on Alzheimer drug study

Axonyx up on Alzheimer drug study: "In the Phase III, 377-patient clinical trial, the company looked at a subset of 16 patients, 15 of whom had received the company's treatment Phenserine and one that received placebo. The company carried out the subset analysis to provide further data to potential licensing partners.
"

Elan's Alzheimer's Drugs "Encouraging" -NCB | newratings.com

Elan's Alzheimer's Drugs "Encouraging" -NCB | newratings.com: "Headline data from the Phase I study of Elan's (ELN) Alzheimer drug AAB-001 is 'encouraging' from a safety and clinical perspective 'with some very early signs of efficacy observed,' says NCB Stockbrokers."

Alzheimer's moves up

Health "Alzheimer's disease moved to seventh place from eighth place among the leading causes of death in 2004, passing influenza and pneumonia, the National Center for Health Statistics reported."

Axonyx Reports Data on Stabilized Brain Volumes in Alzheimer's Disease Patients Treated with Phenserine; Analysis of Brain Scans Sugges

Axonyx Reports Data on Stabilized Brain Volumes in Alzheimer's Disease Patients Treated with Phenserine; Analysis of Brain Scans Suggests Protection against Brain Atrophy: "Axonyx Inc. (NASDAQ: AXYX) today reported an analysis of results suggesting stabilization of total brain volume and brain parenchymal fraction of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients treated with Phenserine 10mg or 15mg twice daily (BID) for 26-weeks. The data will be presented in their entirety as a poster in Geneva on Thursday, April 20, 2006 at the 9th International Geneva/Springfield Symposium on Advances in Alzheimer Therapy."

Independent Online Edition > Health Medical

Independent Online Edition > Health Medical: "One of the largest studies of the impact of food and drink on mental decline has found that eating a Mediterranean diet cuts the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 40 per cent. The diet of southern France, Italy and Spain, rich in olive oil and red wine, is known to protect against heart disease and high blood pressure but this is the first time it has been shown to prevent Alzheimer's disease."

Diagnostic blood test for Alzheimer's

The magazine Genomics and Proteomics is reporting in their March 2006 edition (p.8) that Amorfix Life Sciences, a company in Toronto, is about two-years away from releasing a test that will identify "aggregated misfolded proteins in the blood" that are associated with Alzheimer's. The protein being investigated is amyloid-beta.

Athenagen buys assets of Osprey Pharmaceutical - 2006-04-13

San Francisco Business Times: Athenagen buys assets of Osprey Pharmaceutical - 2006-04-13: "Athenagen Inc. said Thursday it bought the assets of Osprey Pharmaceutical Co., including a drug candidate aimed at Alzheimer's disease."

"The drug furthest along in Osprey's pipeline is GTS-21, which has shown promise in Phase I trials against the memory and cognitive degeneration caused by Alzheimer's. Athenagen will start a Phase II trial of the compound next year."

Enrollment Passes Midpoint in Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation's Phase III Alzheimer's Trial Ahead of Schedule: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Enrollment Passes Midpoint in Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation's Phase III Alzheimer's Trial Ahead of Schedule: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "Enrollment in ALADDIN VP-AD-301, the first Phase III clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of VP4896 in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, has passed its midpoint ahead of schedule, Voyager Pharmaceutical Corporation announced Monday. Voyager initiated enrollment in September 2005 and expects to complete enrollment of all 555 subjects before December 31, 2006."

AD-1 Alzheimer's Vaccine Company Gets Funding

Affiris: "Affiris closes EUR 8.5 Million Financing Round

Vienna, April 6, 2006. Affiris (Vienna, Austria) raises EUR 8.5 million in series A round with MIG Funds (Munich, Germany) as sole investor. The milestone-based investment is split among three funds namely MIG Fonds 1 (EUR 1 million), MIG Fonds 3 and 4 (EUR 7.5 million)...

Affiris'...lead product development is a vaccine against Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine AD-1 is based on the Affitope platform technology and is scheduled to enter into clinical trial phase I later this year."

Vitamins C & E, plus ibuprofin

Health Vitamins for Alzheimer's Prevention?: "For patients at high risk of Alzheimer's disease, taking a combination of vitamins E and C plus ibuprofen significantly reduces their risk, results of a longitudinal study suggest."

High risk is defined as having the APOE-4 genotype.

Pfizer acquires RN1219

Pfizer acquires Rinat: "After an almost year-long respite, Pfizer Inc. is throwing money on the biotech table again, this time entering an agreement to buy privately held Rinat Neuroscience Corp. for an undisclosed sum...

Rinat, with its lead product, RN624, an inhibitor of nerve growth factor in Phase II trials for osteoarthritis pain, also has in Phase I trials RN1219 for Alzheimer's disease. RN1219 is a humanized monoclonal antibody to the amyloid beta peptide that in preclinical models significantly reduced amyloid plaques in the brain."

Rinat is located in San Francisco, CA

Too Much Weight Ups Alzheimer's Risk - Forbes.com

Too Much Weight Ups Alzheimer's Risk - Forbes.com: "People who are overweight or obese in their 40s have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, a new study suggests."

Predix's Drug Candidate for Alzheimer's Disease Named to R&D Directions' ``100 Great Investigational Drugs''

Predix's Drug Candidate for Alzheimer's Disease Named to R&D Directions' ``100 Great Investigational Drugs''; PRX-03140 Noted as Unique, Highly Selective Serotonin 4 Receptor Agonist; Proprietary Drug Discovery Technology Produces Novel Drug Candidates: "Predix Pharmaceuticals announced today that PRX-03140, its highly selective, proprietary serotonin 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist, was highlighted in R&D Directions' newest annual listing of '100 Great Investigational Drugs.' "

Tea inhibits Alzheimer's?

TorontoSun.com Tea inhibits Alzheimer's?: "The regular consumption of tea -- either green or black -- could help prevent degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.

'We looked at the effect of a protein in Alzheimer's called beta amyloid and an ingredient in green and black tea that is able to protect neurons against beta amyloid,' said senior author Dr. Remi Quirion, scientific director of the Douglas Hospital Research Centre."

The study is published in the European Journal of Neuroscience.

News: Antibody fights Alzheimer's

News: Antibody fights Alzheimer's: "Doses of DNA-gene-coated gold particles protect mice against a protein implicated in Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have found.

By pressure-injecting the gene responsible for producing the specific protein - called amyloid-beta 42 - the researchers caused the mice to make antibodies and greatly reduce the protein's buildup in the brain."

Humanetics to begin human trials

St. Paul Pioneer Press | 03/30/2006 | Berkshire sells a fifth of its Ameriprise stake: "Humanetics, a privately held Eden Prairie-based company, said that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the start of human trials for a new bioactive compound to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. "

AVT 301 Progresses

Evotec: "Rapidly progressing CNS pipeline:
• First proof-of-principle Phase I/II study completed, demonstrating the potential for EVT 201 as a novel treatment for insomnia; Phase II expected to start in H2 2006
• EVT 301, a Phase I compound with the potential to reduce symptoms progression in Alzheimer’s disease in-licensed from Roche; on track to enter Phase II at the end of 2006
• Phase I study for Alzheimer’s disease compound EVT 101 initiated, Single Ascending Dose Study (SAD) completed with positive results"

University of Washington to Conduct Clinical Trial with Theratechnologies' TH9507: NIH Providing US $2.6 Million to Finance the Project

University of Washington to Conduct Clinical Trial with Theratechnologies' TH9507: NIH Providing US $2.6 Million to Finance the Project: "Dr. Michael V. Vitiello, Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, is the principal investigator for the study, entitled SMART (Somatotrophics, Memory, and Aging Research Trial). 'We have previously studied the effects of GRF, also known as GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone), on cognitive function in healthy older men and women (mean age: 68 plus or minus 0.7 years old) with promising results,' Dr. Vitiello explained. 'We found that daily treatments of GHRH in this population resulted in significantly improved cognitive function when compared to placebo, particularly on tests involving problem solving, psychomotor processing speed, and working memory. The data also suggest that such treatment might partially ameliorate cognitive declines in individuals with impaired cognitive function, i.e.; mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (1). The SMART study is designed to follow up on these findings but this time using TH9507, a stabilized analog of GRF. We will also be testing for its effects in MCI patients for the first time,' Dr. Vitiello explained."

New independent study using Th9507

Theratechnologies: First Quarter 2006 Financial Results and Recent Highlights: "New independent study using Th9507

On March 28, 2006, the Company announced that the University of Washington at Seattle, supported by a US$2.6 million grant for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is conducting a clinical trial investigating the effects of Theratechnologies' TH9507 on cognitive function in healthy older adults and older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). According to a recently published scientific article in Neurobiology of Aging, daily treatments using another analogue of the growth hormone releasing factor in this population resulted in significantly improved cognitive function when compared to placebo. The data also suggest that such treatment might partially ameliorate cognitive declines in individuals with impaired cognitive function, i.e. mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Through this study, TH9507 will become better characterized in a new therapeutic area."

Novel Nasal Vaccine is Effective in Treating Mouse Model Alzheimer's Disease

Novel Nasal Vaccine is Effective in Treating Mouse Model Alzheimer's Disease: "Continuing a long-standing history in Alzheimer's disease-related study, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in an effort to better understand and treat the disease, have identified a novel new vaccine that has been shown to slow disease development in mouse models. According to the researchers, the next step is to bring this vaccine, which contains compounds known to be safe for humans, to clinical trial. Details of this research will be published on-line August 11, 2005 and will appear in the September 2005 print issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation."

"The new approach ...combines two components, Protollin™ and glatiramer acetate..."

Article: News - Taking the fight to Alzheimer's

Article: News - Taking the fight to Alzheimer's: "The compound [AF267B] is currently in phase 1 trials to determine if it is safe. The trial will last until about the middle of this year. If it proves to be safe, phase 2 trials will begin. Alzheimer's patients will be recruited for a drug trial to determine if it is effective in halting the clinical decline (in their health). The recruitment could come later this year."

Clinical trials are being undertaken by "a small San Diego company."

Allon Begins Dosing First Patient for AL-208 Phase Ib Clinical Trial

Allon Begins Dosing First Patient for AL-208 Phase Ib Clinical Trial: "Allon Therapeutics Inc. today announced that it has begun dosing its first patient for a Phase Ib human clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the Company's second product AL-208 as a treatment for neurodegenerative indications where multiple doses are required."

Denepezil shows activity in severe dementia

Independent Online Edition > Health Medical: "In the first trial of the drug, donepezil, in the treatment of severe dementia, doctors found it improved cognition and the ability to carry out daily activities among patients cared for in nursing homes."

Neuro-Hitech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Signs Alzheimer's Transdermal Development Agreement with Xel; Transdermal Patch to Deliver Huperzine

Neuro-Hitech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC BB: NHPI), a drug development company engaged in the development and commercialization of Huperzine A (HupA) and its analogues for Alzheimer's and other degenerative neurological disorders, today announced that it has signed a development agreement with Xel Herbaceuticals, Inc., a privately held company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, to develop a transdermal patch to treat Alzheimer's Disease. The therapeutic agent is Huperzine A, a molecule currently undergoing US Phase II clinical testing as an orally administered treatment for Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease."

OHSU study aims to halt Alzheimer's by blocking enzyme

OHSU study aims to halt Alzheimer's by blocking enzyme: "OHSU is one of six sites around the country taking part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the agent known as LY450139, a gamma secretase inhibitor manufactured by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. Other study sites are in Indianapolis, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Seattle, and La Jolla, Calif. Lilly is funding the study."

Blood-Pressure Drugs May Lower Alzheimer's Risk - Forbes.com

Blood-Pressure Drugs May Lower Alzheimer's Risk - Forbes.com: "Taking medications to lower blood pressure, particularly diuretics, may help reduce risks for Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests."

Common anti-convulsant drug may help slow the progression of dementia

Common anti-convulsant drug may help slow the progression of dementia: "Researchers have found that a common anticonvulsant drug improved cognitive function and appeared to restore nerve cells in the brains of patients with HIV-related dementia. The results of the Phase I clinical trial are published in the March issue of the scientific journal Neurology."

They note that this drug may also be useful in treating Alzheimer's disease.

Myriad's Flurizan good at 21 months

Myriad's Flurizan good at 21 months: "Myriad Genetics Inc. said Monday that an extended mid-stage clinical trial showed that its Alzheimer's disease treatment Flurizan showed a benefit nearly out to two years."

Myriad's anti-inflammatory Flurizan the drug in the largest-ever Alzheimer's trial

Biotech company launches largest-ever Alzheimer's drug trial: "a massive, 1,600-patient, 18-month clinical trial testing an experimental drug made by the biotechnology company Myriad Genetics Inc. The drug, called Flurizan, slowed the mind-robbing disease in some of the 128 patients with mild Alzheimer's participating in a smaller test.

Based on those results, the company has gambled millions of research dollars on the largest-ever Alzheimer's drug trial. It aims to win an intense, international race among several biotech companies to find the first effective treatment to at least slow the disease's progression in the 4.5 million Americans who suffer from it."

..."Myriad is using an old class of anti-inflammatory drugs that includes the painkiller ibuprofen to prevent the buildup [of amyloid."

Inflazyme and Helicon Initiate the Phase IIa Clinical Trial with IPL455,903 in Age Associated Memory Impairment

Breaking News: Inflazyme and Helicon Initiate the Phase IIa Clinical Trial with IPL455,903 in Age Associated Memory Impairment: "Inflazyme Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (TSX:IZP) together with Helicon Therapeutics, Inc. of New York, today announced the initiation of a Phase IIa clinical study with the PDE4 inhibitor, IPL455,903 (also known as HT-0712) in subjects with Age Associated Memory Impairment. IPL455,903 is a PDE4 inhibitor licensed to Helicon Therapeutics that has shown to be safe, well tolerated and non-emetic in healthy volunteers in single and multi-dose studies conducted to date."

Drug AF267B 'blocks Alzheimer's course'

Drug 'blocks Alzheimer's course': "In tests on mice, the drug, AF267B, reversed the symptoms of memory loss and problems with learning associated with Alzheimer's."

"The drug was developed to activate receptors for a brain chemical called acetylcholine."

"The study, by the University of California, Irvine, is published in the journal Neuron."

This is your brain on stress

Scientists gain new understanding of age-related depression and dementia: "Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified for the first time a certain area of the brain which can shrink in old age and cause depression and Alzheimer's disease. The scientists believe the shrinkage may be caused by high levels of stress hormones."

Medivation Exceeds Patient Enrollment Target in Phase 2 Alzheimer's Disease Trial

Medivation Exceeds Patient Enrollment Target in Phase 2 Alzheimer's Disease Trial: "Medivation, Inc. (OTCBB:MDVN) today announced that it has enrolled a total of 183 patients in its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of Dimebon to treat Alzheimer's disease, exceeding its projected enrollment target of 166 patients. "

Roche & Morphosys advance antibody treatment for Alzheimer's

In January 2006, Roche filed all necessary applications to commence a European Phase 1 clinical trial with a HuCAL®-derived antibody to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Sanofi-Aventis drops unidentified Alzheimer's drug

From the 4th quarter profit report: "However, the group has dropped two experimental drugs from development for the treatment of small cell lung cancer and Alzheimer's disease."

Transition Therapeutics Inc.

Transition Therapeutics Inc.: "Transition Therapeutics to Acquire Outstanding Shares of Alzheimer's Disease Focused Ellipsis Neurotherapeutics Inc."

"The key asset in this transaction is ENI's lead molecule AZD-103, a disease modifying agent with the potential to both reduce disease progression and improve symptoms such as cognitive function. During the last 15 months, Transition has led the rapid advancement of AZD-103 toward clinical development " through its service agreement with ENI."

"AZD-103 breaks down neurotoxic fibrils, allowing amyloid peptides to clear from the brain rather than accumulate and aggregate to form amyloid plaques..."

TorreyPines Therapeutics - News Releases

TorreyPines Therapeutics - News Releases: "TorreyPines Therapeutics Initiates Second Phase 1 Study for NGX267, A Selective M1 Agonist for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease"

"Designed in two parts, this double-blind, placebo-controlled study is being conducted at one center in the U.S. The study will enroll approximately 64 healthy men and women between the ages of 65 and 80, reflecting the age of the primary Alzheimer’s disease population. The first part of the study uses a single, ascending dose, sequential cohort design followed by a multiple dose phase. Investigators will evaluate the safety, tolerability and single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of NGX267, as well as pharmacodynamic measures including effects on CSF levels of Aβ1-42 and neuropsychological tests. This second Phase I study is scheduled to complete in mid-2006."

"Preclinical data support a dual mechanism of action for NGX267. The compound has been shown to stimulate M1 receptors in a fashion analogous to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory and cognitive function that is depleted when neurons, or brain cells, degenerate. In addition, in studies in mice and rabbits, NGX267 lowered brain levels of Aß1-42, a toxic peptide that is the major component of amyloid plaques. The amyloid plaque is considered to be the primary hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease."

Celera Diagnostics Identifies Gene Variants Associated with Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

GAPDH SNPs associated with late-onset Alzheimer's Disease "Celera Diagnostics has identified genetic variants associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The findings may have pharmacogenomic implications for drugs in development as well as current and future therapies for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. These gene variants, also referred to as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are in genes for an enzyme involved in glucose metabolism called glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD). The GAPD enzyme is also involved in neuronal apoptosis, or the programmed death of brain cells. "

New Oral Vaccine For Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers attached Aß DNA to an adeno-associated virus vector and administered this vaccine to mice orally. Not only were the Aß levels decreased, but the T-cell immune response was significantly reduced. A single dose of this vaccine enhanced the production of Aß-antibodies for more than 6 months. Immunohistochemistry of the mouse brain tissue showed that the extra-cellular amyloid deposits were clearly decreased compared to the non-treated mouse...Hideo Hara, M.D, writes "This new oral vaccine does not induce strong T cell immune reactions, and hence it could reduce the side effect of such meningoencephalitis."

Scientists Block Alzheimer's Protein Aggregation in Test Tube

"Scientists said they had designed a drug that, at least in test tubes, stops the buildup of sticky proteins that kills brain cells in Alzheimer's patients.
...Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator Gerald Crabtree of Stanford University and colleagues Jason Gestwicki and Isabella Graef developed a small molecule that enlists the aid of a larger, naturally occurring 'chaperone' protein to block the accumulation of the brain-clogging beta-amyloid protein."

New Evidence Helps Explain Statins’ Effects in Alzheimer’s Disease

"Scientists at Jefferson Medical College and the Farber Institute for Neurosciences at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia ...have identified a biochemical pathway that affects the activity of statins, particularly their ability to break down an early form of the protein amyloid that clusters and forms sticky plaques in the Alzheimer's brain... evidence suggest(s) that an enzymatic pathway called Rho/ROCK may play an important role in the metabolism of APP, which is an early form of amyloid, and in turn, the ability of statins to break down a form of APP. "

UCLA Will Compile Neuroimaging Data on Alzheimer's Progression

UCLA News: "The UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI) has been selected to store and compile data for a $60 million public-private initiative launched Oct. 13 in Washington, D.C., by the National Institute on Aging to examine ways of measuring the progression of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
The five-year Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative will test whether serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), other biological markers, and clinical and neuropsychological assessment can be combined to measure the progression of the brain disorders."

PharmaLive: Elan and Wyeth Receive Patents Supporting Alzheimer's Disease Immunotherapy Treatments

PharmaLive: Elan and Wyeth Receive Patents Supporting Alzheimer's Disease Immunotherapy Treatments: "Elan Corporation, plc and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office recently issued Neuralab Limited, a subsidiary of Elan, seven patents for the companies' joint research on immunotherapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. "

Ceregene Begins Phase I Clinical Trial of Novel Gene Therapy Product for Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

NGF gene therapy begins phase I trial "Ceregene, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on gene therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, today confirmed that the first patient has been treated in a Phase I clinical study of CERE-110, a novel gene therapy product that involves in vivo delivery of nerve growth factor (NGF) genes through an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector delivery system."

Medicare Will Pay for Alzheimer's PET Scan

"Medicare will start paying for specialized brain scans : in some patients to help determine if they have Alzheimer's disease... It will reimburse for the PET scans only for patients whose Alzheimer's symptoms are not typical and who doctors believe may instead have one of several rare brain diseases known collectively as "fronto-temporal dementia. "

Samaritan In-Licenses New Alzheimer's Drug, SP08

Samaritan In-Licenses New Alzheimer's Drug From Georgetown University for Further Development: "Samaritan Pharmaceuticals... announced today, it has been granted an exclusive worldwide license from Georgetown University to develop and market a new lead drug candidate (SP-08) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease." Samaritan is also developing SP-233 for Alzheimer's disease and reports that the drug is in the preIND stage.

Transthyretin discovery may halt progression of Alzheimer's

Transthyretrin protein appears to counteract the toxicity of beta-amyloid in animals and human culture cells according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin. "...Transthyretin was preventing the 'bad cut' toxic beta-amlyoid protein from interacting with the neuronal cells, thereby preventing tangle formation and subsequent neuronal cell death," said associate professor Jeff Johnson.

Long-Term Outcomes of Galantamine Treatment in Patients With Alzheimer Disease

An open-label, double-blind study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry reported that patients continuously taking galantamine "showed sustained cognitive benefits on ADAS-Cog/11 scores at 18.5 months. Patients were maintained close to baseline cognitive ability for 12 months, and safety was as expected and documented in other large studies of galantamine." Subgroup analysis of patients who received galantamine for 18.5 months "showed that cognitive function was maintained up to 14 months."

MITO-4509 Expected to Advance into Phase II

Micrologix reports: "Overall, clinical activity within our company is expected to be significant over the next 12 months as we initiate Phase II studies for MBI-3253 (HCV) and MITO-4509 (Alzheimer's disease)."

Alcohol Interacts with ApoE4 Gene to Increase Alzheimer's Risk

"Drinking alcohol even infrequently may increase your risk of dementia if you're one of the estimated 20 percent of people with a gene that has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests." The long-term study on over 1,000 subjects was carried out at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

Based on limited information this study strikes me as a potential argument for wider genetic testing of apoE. Past arguments against genetic testing relied heavily on the belief that positive results could cause psychological harm while providing no actionable medical information since there are no proven interventions to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

If additional studies confirm the link between apoE4, alcohol intake, and increased dementia risk, limiting alcohol consumption could be viewed as a real step that people who test positive for the allele could take to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Medicare expenditures on Alzheimer's (1992)

Surveillance for Morbidity and Mortality Among Older Adults -- United States, 1995-1996: "Per capita Medicare expenditure during 1992 was $6,208 for patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), which is approximately twofold higher than for all Medicare beneficiaries without DAT " Although these numbers are very old, the MMWR is a GREAT RESOURCE for government health statistics and worth bookmarking.

Neramexane fails phase III Alzheimer's trial

Forest Labs Off on Alzheimer's Bust: "Forest said the drug, neramexane, failed to produce statistically significant results during a six-month test covering 415 patients. "

The phase III trial tested neramexane in combination with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Neramexane targets the NMDA receptor, as does Forest's launched Alzheimer's drug Namenda. The company says it will continue trials on the drug and is currently enrolling a phase II/III trial that will test neramexane as a single agent.

Myriad Genetics advances Alzheimer's drug candidates

Myriad Genetics Reports Financial Results for Fiscal 2004: "Progress in the Company's drug development programs included the completion of a Phase I clinical trial in Alzheimer's disease...(and) the completion of enrollment of a Phase II trial in Alzheimer'ss disease."

Voyager phase II trials test anti-gonadotropin leuprolide in Alzheimer's patients

Voyager phase II trials test anti-gonadotropin leuprolide in Alzheimer's patients: "We believe that the age-related increases in pituitary gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone) seen in older men and during menopause in women cause the brain changes that characterize Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Bowen. "Leuprolide acetate, a drug that has been used extensively for numerous hormone related disorders, eliminates these hormones. We are testing the idea that this drug can halt or significantly slow the course of this devastating disease."

Erimos doing preclinical Alzheimer's work

"Pre-clinical programs are underway to create groundbreaking treatments for other serious diseases including Alzheimer's Disease." Although this North Carolina company claims Alzheimer's as a disease area, the main focus of the company appears to be cancer.

Work 'may ward off Alzheimer's'

"People who have mentally demanding jobs may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life, a study suggests. " The research, which add to the similar findings of others, looked at people between the ages of 20 and 50. Results appeared in the journal Neurology. The researchers did not control for socioeconomic or lifestyle factors.

Clioquinol patent dispute settled

"Prana and Massachusetts General Hospital have agreed to settle all outstanding litigation with P.N Gerolymatos S.A. (P.N.G.) regarding the exploitation rights to certain patents relating to pharmaceutical compositions and uses of clioquinol (also known as PBT-1... Prana will hold rights in the U.S. and Japan. P.N.G. will hold right for European and other territories." Clioquinol completed a phase II trial in 2003. Prana also reports that a newer drug PBT-2 is in the final steps of preclinical testing and is being readied to enter phase I trials.

Memory and Roche extend PDE4 collaboration

"Roche and Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp. today announced a two year extension of their PDE4 collaboration under their 2002 agreement. Under the extended agreement, Roche is committed to a minimum of 18 month's funding of Memory's research efforts in the amount of $5,250,000." Memory last reported that its PDE4 inhibitor MEM1414 was in phase I trials for Alzheimer's disease.

Apan Development Update

"The Company anticipates completing its Phase 1b dose escalation study in Alzheimer's disease patients during the second half of 2004. This study is designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of its investigational drug candidate, Apan, in Alzheimer's patients. During the second half of 2004, the Company also anticipates initiating a Phase 1/2a study that will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a multiple dose regimen of Apan administered to Alzheimer's patients, assuming FDA concurrence on the protocol and on safety based upon its review of chronic toxicology studies."

Celera and Merck Undertake Functional Genome Scan for Alzheimer's Targets

GenomeWeb Daily News: "Celera Diagnostics said today that it has entered into an agreement with Merck to identify novel targets for drug discovery and diagnostic markers related to Alzheimer's disease."

NicOx financial report highlights preclinical Alzheimer's Drug

"Preclinical studies in mice show HCT 1026 may have potential to reduce beta-amyloid deposits in the brains of Azheimer's patients.  The company has previously reported that HCT 1026 is in phase I trials.

Neurochem: beating Alzheimer's via beta-amyloid

"Neurochem's [NRM.TO] Alzhemed has shown real promise in Phase II trials with its unique plaque-busting action. The potential of this drug has clearly made an impact on the US Alzheimer's Association, however, gaining approval may be a difficult, lengthy process for this particular drug as its action is different to anything else currently available. "

Seroquel calms Alzheimer's Agitation

The agitation sometimes experienced by Alzheimer's patients can be overcome using the schizophrenia drug quetiapine, marketed as Seroquel by AstraZeneca. Dr. Pierre Tariot of the University of Rochester in New York said 60 percent of 333 elderly Alzheimer's patients who were given the drug showed a lowered level of agitation, compared with 30 percent who used a placebo. "

Elan and Wyeth Announce Results from Phase IIa Clinical Trial of AN-1792

"Although dosing with AN-1792 was halted in January 2002 after reports of encephalitis in a subset of patients: , the trial remained blinded and the patients were followed in the study until December 2002.
While clinical development of AN-1792 has been terminated, the results presented today support the beta amyloid immunotherapy approach, which is thought to treat Alzheimer's disease using an immunologic approach to clear beta amyloid from the brain. The results include less worsening on a neuropsychological test battery, including the memory component at 12 months in patients who developed an antibody response to AN-1792 compared to the placebo group. In addition, in three autopsy examinations of patients treated with AN-1792, reduction of beta amyloid plaque was observed. "

Dr. Koop-Drugs Aim to Attack Root of Alzheimer's

Drugs Aim to Attack Root of Alzheimer's: "One trial being presented at the conference, which runs from July 17 to 22, found a drug called Alzhemed was safe and well-tolerated in 58 patients with Alzheimer's. The drug interferes with the ability of proteins to stick together. Alzhemed was also found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of participants, meaning it bridged the blood-brain barrier. Also, circulating levels of beta-amyloid protein in the CSF were lowered after the three-month trial."

UK Study Explores Cost-Effectiveness of Aricept

Is Aricept Cost Effective?: "A study in the June 26 Lancet confirms earlier data showing that donepezil (Aricept�) modestly boosts average performance on tests of memory and thinking skills. Results also show for the first time that these effects persist for two years.
The study also finds that, in the United Kingdom, the cost of long-term treatment with donepezil (Aricept) is not offset by prevention of eventual disability or postponement of placement in a nursing home.
The lack of impact on nursing home admission and disability leads the authors to question whether the memory and thinking benefits justify the expense of treatment."

No Clear-Cut Answers on Statins as Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

"Statins continue to generate interest : as a possible preventive strategy for Alzheimer�s disease"...however, research shows mixed, conflicting results, and the complexity of this open-ended scientific question.

Some Anti-Hypertension Medicines Associated with Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's

Diuretics: "participants who had used anti-hypertension medications had a lower risk of getting Alzheimer's. This benefit seemed most closely related to the use of diuretics. Among this group of drugs, �potassium-sparing� diuretics were associated with the greatest reduction in Alzheimer risk. The use of other hypertension drugs, such as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers, did not affect Alzheimer risk. "

Diabetes Drug Effective in Early Alzheimer's

Rosiglitazone: "researchers presented data on a 24-week pilot trial of the diabetes drug rosiglitazone in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or very mild Alzheimer's disease. The 20 subjects who received rosiglitazone � a drug that boosts insulin activity � did not decline in their performance on memory and attention tests, whereas the 10 patients who received placebo declined at a rate typical for Alzheimer �s. "

Brain Imaging Techniques Sharpen Focus on Alzheimer's

"Imaging techniques such as PET and MRI are near to becoming useful in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease earlier : and distinguishing it from other types of dementia...For example, one study at the conference reports the latest data on a new PET technology that allows researchers to see � for the first time � accumulations of the abnormal protein tau in the brains of people with a rare form of dementia. "

Minorities Hardest Hit by Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease symptoms begin, on average, almost seven years earlier "in U.S. Latinos than they do in non-Latino U.S. whites, according to research reported today at The 9th International Conference on Alzheimer�s Disease and Related Disorders (ICAD), presented by the Alzheimer�s Association...Another study suggests that African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of Alzheimer�s disease."

Myriad Genetics Presents Phase I Results at International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease

"The results were drawn from Myriad's Phase I randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of Flurizan.: The trial enrolled 48 people between the ages of 55 and 80 years, in four cohorts, which were studied over a three-week course of daily dosing with Flurizan. The first cohort was given 400mg daily, the second cohort 800mg, the third 1600mg and the fourth, a placebo. Dr. Koo reported that no serious adverse events were observed in any of the cohorts. These data complement the safety record established with Flurizan to date in three other completed trials among healthy individuals and patients."

Medicare Claims for Alzheimer's Disease Skyrocket 250 Percent

"The rate of Medicare beneficiaries identified as having Alzheimer's disease rose 250 percent during the 1990s, according to a study reported at The 9th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ICAD), presented by the Alzheimer's Association...Medicare expenditures for people with Alzheimer's are almost three times higher than the average for all beneficiaries. And, Medicare spending for beneficiaries with Alzheimer's will triple between now and 2015, from $62 billion in 2000 to $189 billion in 2015. State and federal Medicaid spending on people with Alzheimer's disease, for nursing home care only, is estimated to rise from $19 billion in 2000 to $27 billion in 2015."

Business Centre - canada.com network

Neurochem stock falls despite plans to expand trials of Alzheimer's drug: "Shares of Neurochem Inc. fell 16 per cent Monday despite a relatively upbeat report by the Montreal biotechnology developer on clinical trials of its Alzheimer's disease drug."

Donepezil May Have Short-term Benefit for Mild Cognitive Impairment

People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) taking the drug donepezil were at reduced risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease: " (AD) for the first 18 months of a 3-year study when compared with their counterparts on placebo, according to a presentation of preliminary data from a recently completed clinical trial supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health. The reduced risk of progressing from MCI to a diagnosis of AD among participants on donepezil disappeared after 18 months, and by the end of the study, the probability of progressing to AD was the same in the two groups. The study compared donepeliz, vitamin E, and placebo." No benefit was seen from vitamin E.

Phase I Trial Complete for NGF Gene Therapy

Benefit seen in eight patients with early Alzheimer's disease who received NGF gene therapy: 'The next phase, Phase II will include a control group. That double-blinded trial, which will be conducted at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, will enroll about 30 patients. About a third of the patients will undergo sham surgery...In that phase, the researchers will use a virus to carry the NGF gene directly into brain cells that are affected by Alzhiemer's. 'One can genetically modify cells within the brain itself, cells that are native to the brain, to make the growth factors. That's a far simpler and quicker procedure, and in studies it's equally effective to the way that we did the gene therapy," Tuszynski explains. The phase I trial used cells that were modified in culture and then implanted.

FGL(L) Edging Toward Clinical Trial

"The first clinical trial of a peptide that mimics the cellular adhesion molecule NCAM is due to take place in the UK : in the third quarter of this year, bringing a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease a step closer, reports Phil Taylor.

Danish company Enkam Pharmaceuticals filed for approval to start trials of the peptide, called FGLL, last month, said chief executive Dr Morten Albrechtsen.
FGLL acts as a mimic of NCAM...

Hebrew University Exelon Royalties

Israel21c: "Hebrew University receives $25 million of its royalties from two drugs - the anti-cancer Doxil, and Exelon for Alzheimer's disease. Exelon generates some $440 million in annual sales for the pharmaceutical company Novartis, of which Hebrew U. receives 5 percent royalties. "

Wyeth, Elan collaboration receives three Alzheimer's treatment patents - 2004-07-14 - Philadelphia Business Journal

Wyeth, Elan collaboration receives three Alzheimer's treatment patents - 2004-07-14 - Philadelphia Business Journal: "Wyeth, Elan collaboration receives three Alzheimer's treatment patents
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals of Collegeville, Pa., and Elan Corp. said Wednesday the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued three patents to Neuralab Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Elan, for the companies' joint research on immunotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease."

Vasogen Preclinical Alzheimer's Results

Vasogen Announces Second Quarter 2004 Results: "Preclinical research demonstrating the ability of VP025 to reverse a measure of the memory and learning impairment associated with aging was presented by Professor Marina Lynch, PhD, Department of Physiology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland at the Fourth Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum in Lisbon, Portugal. We believe that the ability to actually improve an established loss of memory and learning would be a major breakthrough in the treatment of a number of debilitating diseases associated with aging, including"

Axonyx Closes Enrollment in Pivotal Phase III Trial with Phenserine for Alzheimer's Disease; Company Provides Update on Beta Amyloid Phase IIB Trial

The first of the company's two phase III trials has completed enrollment in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Following six months of treatment in the 375 patient study, the database will be locked for analysis. Safety and efficacy results are expected to be available during the first quarter of 2005. The company also expects results from its phase IIb Phenserine trial in 1Q 2005.

Teva Receives Approvable Letter for AGILECT 'Rasagiline' for Parkinson's

Rasagiline approvable for Parkinson's: "Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has received an approvable letter from the U.S. FDA for once-daily AGILECT(R) (rasagiline mesylate) as a treatment for Parkinson's disease as initial monotherapy in early PD patients and as adjunct therapy to levodopa in moderate-to-advanced stages of the disease. " Teva and Eisai will co-promote Agilect in the U.S once it is approved, and the two companies have a joint effort to develop Rasagiline for Alzheimer's disease that is currently in phase II.

Alzheimer's Mutations Found in Brain Cells Mitochondria

The genetic mutations that lie behind most cases of Alzheimer's disease may be found inside cell powerhouses known as mitochondria. Douglas Wallace and his group at UC Irvine found mutations in mitochondrial DNA in 65 percent of the 23 patients in a study who died of Alzheimer's, and none of the 40 patients who died of something else. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Herpes Tool Allows Researchers to Customize Alzheimer's Vaccine

"Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center put into mice a payload of genetic information /a>: that created a carefully crafted immune response, one that muted the type of toxic side effects seen in a previous study in people of a vaccine against Alzheimer's." Presumably, this is an anti-amyloid-beta vaccine.

PharmaLive: Eisai Launches New Formulation of ARICEPT, Rapid Disintegration Tablet, in Japan

ARICEPT is the first treatment for Alzheimer's disease in the world that offers the option of a RPD tablet formulation.: "The new form, which rapidly disintegrates in the mouth, is designed to make administration easier for patients who experience difficulty or discomfort in swallowing tablets. Eisai hopes that these new formulations will contribute to improved compliance for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. "

PharmaLive: Eisai Launches New Formulation of ARICEPT, Rapid Disintegration Tablet, in Japan

ARICEPT is the first treatment for Alzheimer's disease in the world that offers the option of a RPD tablet formulation.: "The new form, which rapidly disintegrates in the mouth, is designed to make administration easier for patients who experience difficulty or discomfort in swallowing tablets. Eisai hopes that these new formulations will contribute to improved compliance for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. "

Icagen and Yamanouchi Developing Preclinical Compounds for Alzheimer's Disease

Icagen and McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals Enter into Development And Commercialization Agreement for Sickle Cell Disease Treatment: "compounds for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, which are being
developed by the Company's collaborator Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co.,
Ltd. and are undergoing preclinical testing."

Phase III and Phase IIB Phenserine for Alzheimer's disease trials near completion

Axonyx Inc. Added to Russell 3000 Index: The company reported that they have raised over $100 million and have progressed both their Phase III and Phase IIB Phenserine for Alzheimer's disease trials to near completion."

Widely Used Alzheimer's Drugs Found Ineffective

"Cholinesterase inhibitors:, the most widely prescribed drugs for Alzheimer's disease, do not slow progression of the mind-robbing condition and do not affect the rate at which patients must be admitted to nursing homes, a British study finds."

Neurochem Inc. launches North American Phase III clinical trial on Alzhemed

Neurochem - Press Release - June 21, 2004: "The trial will be conducted by 50 U.S. and 20 Canadian clinical centers across North America.

The multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel design North American Phase III clinical trial will investigate the safety and efficacy of Alzhemed(TM) for the treatment of AD in approximately 950 mild-to-moderate patients. The patients will be randomized to receive either placebo or one of two different dose levels of Alzhemed for a period of 18 months. The Company anticipates launching its Alzhemed European Phase III clinical trial early in 2005."

Applied Neurosolutions continues developing Alzheimer's diagnostics and drugs

: "Applied NeuroSolutions' initial product candidate is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test to detect Alzheimer's disease at a very early stage with 85%-95% accuracy. The company is also developing a serum-based screening test, as well as a new class of therapeutics to treat AD"

Icagen Expands Senior Management Team

Icagen, Inc:: "compounds for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, which are being developed by the Company's collaborator Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and are undergoing preclinical testing."

Axonyx Initiates Second Phase III Alzheimer's Disease Trial with Phenserine

Axonyx Inc. today announced the initiation of its second Phase III international clinical trial with its lead Alzheimer's disease drug, Phenserine.:
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2004-- The Investigator's Meeting that will be held June 18th and 19th in Amsterdam, Netherlands signals the formal start of this Phase III clinical trial and patient recruitment will commence immediately following the meeting. This randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of two different dosages of Phenserine in 450 mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients following a six-month treatment period. ... this second Phase III trial will be conducted at multiple clinical sites throughout Europe and Israel. The company intends to include clinical trial sites in the United States in this international trial upon approval by the United States FDA (US FDA) of the submitted data package currently under review. "

Cholesterol Drug May Help Reverse Alzheimer's Disease?

Cholesterol Drug May Help Reverse Alzheimer's Disease?
Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins not only delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease, they may even help reverse it, according to a small U.S. study.
published 6/7/04

Micrologix/MitoKor MITO-4509 still entering phase II trials

"MITO-4509 (entering Phase II for Alzheimer's disease, subject to the
completion of our announced acquisition of MitoKor.)"

6/4/04 Micrologix press release