Anavex Life Sciences Corp. has announced that they have established an agreement with The Roskamp Institute for the clinical development of ANAVEX PLUS, a new combination drug of ANAVEX 2-73 and donepezil (Aricept®) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and possible clinical benefits of ANAVEX PLUS in Alzheimer's disease patients and other diseases associated with dementia and cognitive impairment.

ANAVEX PLUS is a proprietary drug combination of ANAVEX 2-73 with donepezil (Aricept®) as a potential novel combination drug for Alzheimer's disease. Aricept® (donepezil) is now generic. ANAVEX 2-73 showed in combination with Aricept® (donepezil) results for memory improvement by up to 80% in animal models. A patent application was filed in the US for the combination of ANAVEX PLUS and, if granted, would extend at least until 2033. In a humanized calibrated cortical network computer model ANAVEX PLUS showed an ADAS-Cog response of 7 points at 12 weeks and 5.5 points at 26 weeks. These data represent more than twice the ADAS-Cog response exhibited by donepezil (Aricept®) alone.

"The support by The Roskamp Instititute shows the confidence in this new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease to develop innovative treatments for the many unmet needs of patients with this disorder," said Christopher U. Missling, PhD, Anavex's President and Chief Executive Officer. "It also underscores Anavex's deep commitment in the development of novel therapeutics for diseases of the central nervous system."

Fiona Crawford, PhD, President of The Roskamp Institute, said "ANAVEX PLUS has shown promising pre-clinical data and represents a novel approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and we are excited to work with the Anavex team."