Allon CSO presents pre-clinical data on compound to protect brain cells
Allon Therapeutics Inc., The Neuro Protection Company(TM), has presented pre-clinical data that helps explain how the company's proprietary lead compound AL-108 protects brain cells from degenerative diseases.
Dr. Illana Gozes, Chief Scientific Officer of Allon, said , that AL-108 was shown to provide potent protection of astrocytes, specialized brain cells that support the functions of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. AL-108 is an eight amino acid derivative of an essential protein for brain formation, ADNP. Dr. Gozes explanied that AL-108 protected astrocytes by promoting the reorganization of the microtubular network. Microtubules are slender, cylindrical filaments that are essential for maintaining cellular structural integrity and function. The destruction of microtubular network causes cell death.
Dr. Gozes also said that preclinical toxicology studies have shown AL-108 to be well-tolerated and transported across the blood brain barrier into the brain, making the compound a promising candidate for drug development. "We believe we have demonstrated in preclinical studies that AL-108 has the potential to be an important new treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative diseases," added Dr. Gozes.
Allon's preclinical studies have shown than its compounds protect against the injury and death of brain cells that occurs after onset of disease or injury to the central nervous system. Pre-clinical models have demonstrated that Allon's compounds have potential in eight diseases and injuries of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and neuropathy.
Allon announced March 2, 2005 that it had completed dosing for its Phase Ia human clinical trial evaluating the AL-108 as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Data from the Phase Ia trial will be analyzed by the end of Q2 2005.
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