TILS.L Regulatory News (TILS)

27 Jun 2005 07:00

ReGen Therapeutics PLC27 June 2005 ReGen Therapeutics Plc27th June 2005 ReGen's Colostrinin(TM)reduces aggregation and toxicity of Alzheimer's diseasepeptide (beta-amyloid) and protects nerve cells in-vitro ReGen Therapeutics Plc ('ReGen' or 'the Company') announces the on-linepublication by the prestigious peer-reviewed journal 'Neuropeptides' of a studyshowing that Colostrinin(TM) can prevent the aggregation of beta amyloid* - atoxic protein that builds up in the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers. A copy ofthe publication can be viewed online at: http://www.intl.elsevierhealth.com/journals/npep/ReGen is developing Colostrinin(TM)as a nutraceutical product for the'maintenance of healthy mental function' whilst at the same time exploring theutility of its constituent peptides or small molecular weight substances basedon their activity as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurodegenerativediseases including Alzheimer's. Commenting on the findings, Dr. Marian Kruzel, the Company's Chief ScientificConsultant** and a co-author of the publication, said "The publication of thisstudy in a peer reviewed journal is an important scientific milestone forColostrinin(TM)as it confirms our preliminary findings, announced last year atthe Alzheimer's Europe 14th Conference, that Colostrinin(TM) even at very lowconcentrations can protect nerve cells from the toxic effect of beta amyloidfibrils. There is consensus in the scientific community that the production andaccumulation of beta amyloid aggregates is central to the pathogenesis ofAlzheimer's disease. We believe that this data provides the molecular basis forexplaining the beneficial effect of Colostrinin(TM)in patients with mild andmoderate Alzheimer's disease, which was reported by ReGen last year". Dr Kruzelfurther explained that " results presented in the paper suggest bothprophylactic and therapeutic use of Colostrinin(TM)We are now doing furtherresearch to clarify the biochemical basis of this action". Chairman Percy Lomax added 'It is pleasing to see yet another peer reviewedpublication on Colostrinin(TM) We believe this will significantly strengthen theCompany's position in its ongoing discussions with potential developmentpartners in Japan and North America.' * This research has been conducted as part of ReGen's ongoing collaboration withthe world-renowned Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA and hasbeen performed by Drs Thamarapu Srikrishnan and Thomas Nicotera. Preliminarydata was presented as a poster at the 14th Alzheimer Europe Conference inPrague, Czech Republic in May 2004. ** Professor Marian Kruzel is a faculty member of the Department of IntegrativeBiology and Pharmacology, the University of Texas, Medical School at Houston.Through a consultancy agreement with the Company Prof. Kruzel advises the Boardon scientific research and development and manages the implementation of ReGen'sscientific collaborations in the USA. For further information, please contact: Andrew MarshallMarshall Robinson RoeTel No 020 7960 6007 NOTES TO EDITORS Background ReGen's principal activity is the development of a potential therapy forAlzheimer's disease and also the development of nutraceutical uses forColostrinin(TM) Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative and ultimately fataldisease that slowly destroys the brain. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease includeprogressive impairment of cognitive function including memory loss, inability tothink abstractly, loss of language function, attention deficit and associateddepression, anxiety and agitation. Eventually Alzheimer's disease sufferers losethe ability to take care of themselves and must be looked after either by familyor in residential care homes and hospitals. Ultimately, sufferers become lessresistant to infections and other illnesses, which often become the actual causeof death. In a 30 week clinical study it was shown that: Approximately 40% of patients on Colostrinin(TM)were stabilised or improved after15 weeks of therapy, based on an Analysis of Overall Response. 33% of patientscontinued to show stabilisation or improvement after 30-weeks of treatment,although levels of benefit were slightly higher at the 15-week stage of thetrial. Efficacy demonstrated in both mild and moderate symptom groups, with greatesteffects seen in earlier stages of the disease. No drug-related Serious Adverse Events or safety concerns were observed duringthe trial This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange