Ladostigil Enters Phase II Clinical Trial for Alzheimer's
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
By: Kevin Hattori

Avraham Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has begun a Phase II clinical trial of the drug Ladostigil for treating mild cognitive impairment associated with early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The three-year safety and efficacy study will include 200 patients at 12 medical centers in Israel and Europe.

Ladostigil combines components from the existing drugs Azilect and Exelon. Teva’s Azilect, for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, was developed by Prof. Emeritus Moussa Youdim of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. It is the only anti-Parkinson’s drug that has been proven to have a disease-modifying effect. Novartis’ Exelon was developed by Prof. Marta Weinstock-Rosin of Hebrew University to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Prof. Emeritus Moussa Youdim

Mild cognitive impairment is defined as an interim stage between normal aging and the severe cognitive impairment associated with dementia.  Considered an early stage in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, it includes memory problems, speech difficulties, and impaired thoughts/judgments.

Ladostigil is also being tested at a different dosage in a separate Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of more advanced Alzheimer’s disease.  Last week, Avraham Pharmaceuticals filed an interim report on the drug’s safety that showed no serious or exceptional side effects. The results also showed a positive trend in the drug's efficacy.

Ladostigil is the first Alzheimer’s drug with the potential to slow the progression of clinical symptoms for sustained periods of time, and to modify the pathology associated with the disease. In addition, studies of aging rats have shown that the drug may be able to slow the progression to Alzheimer’s disease in patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It may also help treat other neurodegenerative diseases.

The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is consistently ranked among the world's leading science and technology universities.  Home to three of Israel's five winners of the Nobel Prize in science, the Technion commands a worldwide reputation for its pioneering work in computer science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, water-resource management, medicine, drug development, and aerospace.  Headquartered in New York City, the American Technion Society (ATS) promotes scientific and technological research and education at the Technion.