Studies In Animals Demonstrate AMPAKINE Molecules Reverse Memory Loss In Huntington's Disease

Main Category: Huntingtons Disease
Article Date: 09 Mar 2009 - 5:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US (COR)) announced that preclinical studies from the laboratory of Professor Gary Lynch at the University of California Irvine, one of the scientific founders of the company, demonstrated that AMPAKINE® molecules show promise in the treatment of memory loss in Huntington's disease. The studies were performed in mice harboring the genetic mutation found in humans that is responsible for Huntington's disease. The related results demonstrated that treating mice with CX929, a High Impact AMPAKINE, produced dramatic increases in the brain's chemical processes for creating and storing memories. These studies were published in the early online version of the prestigious, peer-reviewed journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Huntington's disease is a progressive, hereditary brain disease that affects men and women alike, and affects 30,000 patients in the U.S., with another 150,000 at risk. It is caused by the death of specific brain cells and is characterized by the gradual development of involuntary muscle movements, progressive deterioration of cognitive processes and memory (dementia), and severe behavioral disturbances. The memory impairments include altered organization, generally slowed processing of information by the brain, and executive function - that is, the ability to plan, abstract thinking and multi-tasking.

"One protein in particular, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is reduced in Huntington's disease. We know that BDNF plays an essential role in maintaining the health of the brain," commented Professor Lynch. "And our studies now demonstrate that we can restore levels of BDNF by treating mice with an AMPAKINE, which reverses the memory impairments."

Mark A. Varney, President and CEO stated that, "Professor Lynch's studies in mice support the rationale for Cortex to develop AMPAKINE molecules to address the memory deficits in patients suffering from Huntington's disease. Also, the link to BDNF may play an important role in other neurodegenerative diseases such, as Alzheimer's Disease."

An abstract of the paper can be viewed using the following link: Link to abstract: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/03/04/0811228106.abstract

Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Cortex, located in Irvine, California, is a neuroscience company focused on novel drug therapies for treating psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases and brain-mediated breathing disorders. Cortex is pioneering a class of proprietary pharmaceuticals called AMPAKINE compounds, which act to increase the strength of signals at connections between brain cells. The loss of these connections is thought to be responsible for memory and behavior problems in Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease. Many psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, occur as a result of imbalances in the brain's neurotransmitter system. These imbalances may be improved by using the AMPAKINE technology. For additional information regarding Cortex, please visit the Company's website at http://www.cortexpharm.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's research and development activities. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "indicates," "will," "intends," "potential," "suggests," "assuming," "designed" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company's current beliefs and expectations. The success of such activities depends on a number of factors, including the risks that the Company's proposed products may at any time be found to be unsafe or ineffective for any or all of their proposed indications; that patents may not issue from the Company's patent applications; that competitors may challenge or design around the Company's patents or develop competing technologies; that the Company may have insufficient resources to undertake proposed clinical studies; and that preclinical or clinical studies may at any point be suspended or take substantially longer than anticipated to complete. As discussed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, the Company's proposed products will require additional research, lengthy and costly preclinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval. AMPAKINE compounds are investigational drugs and have not been approved for the treatment of any disease. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.