Statistically Significant Improvements in Learning, Memory and Sociability in Fragile X Animal Study
TEL AVIV, Israel I September 10, 2013 I Alcobra Ltd. (ADHD), an emerging biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of its proprietary drug, MG01CI (Sustained-Release Metadoxine), to treat cognitive dysfunction, announced today positive findings from a pre-clinical study with a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. The study showed significant improvement in cognitive and social functioning following treatment with MG01CI in a valid animal model of Fragile X Syndrome (FMR1 knock-out mouse model).
The study included multiple behavioral assessments of 40 mice, comprising 20 Fragile X knock-out mice and 20 control littermate mice, that were treated with MG01CI or placebo. The data showed significant improvement in behavioral outcomes assessed with this animal model, including contextual fear conditioning (a test primarily evaluating memory and learning), social interaction, and Y-maze alternation (a test of learning and perseverance). All assessments were scored blindly (raters were not aware of the treatment each mouse received).
“We are excited about these new findings and are considering our next steps in this new potential use of MG01CI for the treatment of Fragile X Syndrome, and possibly Autism Spectrum Disorder,” commented Dr. Yaron Daniely, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcobra Ltd. “This is yet another demonstration of the potential for MG01CI to address multiple cognitive dysfunctions.”
Dr. Jonathan Rubin, Chief Medical Officer of Alcobra Ltd., added, “This pre-clinical study provides a promising signal regarding the cognitive effects of MG01CI in an area of significant unmet need, which currently has no approved pharmacological treatments, possibly warranting translation of these findings into clinical studies of Fragile X syndrome.”
About Fragile X syndrome (FMR1 KO)
Fragile X syndrome is the most common single-gene cause of autism and inherited cause of intellectual disability among boys. Approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females have Fragile X syndrome, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not everyone with the mutation will show signs or symptoms of Fragile X, and disabilities will range from mild to severe as well as physical characteristics such as an elongated face, large or protruding ears, large testes (macroorchidism), and behavioral characteristics such as stereotypic movements (e.g. hand-flapping), problems with attention and hyperactivity, and social anxiety. A majority of individuals with Fragile X Syndrome will have either Autism Spectrum Disorder or autistic symptoms, and will have varying levels of cognitive impairment.
Fragile X results from a change or mutation in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, which is found on the X chromosome. The gene normally makes a protein called Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein, or FMRP, which is missing or deficient in individuals with Fragile X Syndrome. This protein is important in regulating pathways which are involved in creating and maintaining connections between cells in the brain.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drugs specifically for the treatment of Fragile X or its symptoms.
About Alcobra Ltd.
Alcobra Ltd. is an emerging biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of a proprietary drug, MG01CI, to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). MG01CI has completed Phase II studies to treat ADHD. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel.
SOURCE: Alcobra
Post Views: 49
Statistically Significant Improvements in Learning, Memory and Sociability in Fragile X Animal Study
TEL AVIV, Israel I September 10, 2013 I Alcobra Ltd. (ADHD), an emerging biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of its proprietary drug, MG01CI (Sustained-Release Metadoxine), to treat cognitive dysfunction, announced today positive findings from a pre-clinical study with a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. The study showed significant improvement in cognitive and social functioning following treatment with MG01CI in a valid animal model of Fragile X Syndrome (FMR1 knock-out mouse model).
The study included multiple behavioral assessments of 40 mice, comprising 20 Fragile X knock-out mice and 20 control littermate mice, that were treated with MG01CI or placebo. The data showed significant improvement in behavioral outcomes assessed with this animal model, including contextual fear conditioning (a test primarily evaluating memory and learning), social interaction, and Y-maze alternation (a test of learning and perseverance). All assessments were scored blindly (raters were not aware of the treatment each mouse received).
“We are excited about these new findings and are considering our next steps in this new potential use of MG01CI for the treatment of Fragile X Syndrome, and possibly Autism Spectrum Disorder,” commented Dr. Yaron Daniely, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcobra Ltd. “This is yet another demonstration of the potential for MG01CI to address multiple cognitive dysfunctions.”
Dr. Jonathan Rubin, Chief Medical Officer of Alcobra Ltd., added, “This pre-clinical study provides a promising signal regarding the cognitive effects of MG01CI in an area of significant unmet need, which currently has no approved pharmacological treatments, possibly warranting translation of these findings into clinical studies of Fragile X syndrome.”
About Fragile X syndrome (FMR1 KO)
Fragile X syndrome is the most common single-gene cause of autism and inherited cause of intellectual disability among boys. Approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females have Fragile X syndrome, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not everyone with the mutation will show signs or symptoms of Fragile X, and disabilities will range from mild to severe as well as physical characteristics such as an elongated face, large or protruding ears, large testes (macroorchidism), and behavioral characteristics such as stereotypic movements (e.g. hand-flapping), problems with attention and hyperactivity, and social anxiety. A majority of individuals with Fragile X Syndrome will have either Autism Spectrum Disorder or autistic symptoms, and will have varying levels of cognitive impairment.
Fragile X results from a change or mutation in the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, which is found on the X chromosome. The gene normally makes a protein called Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein, or FMRP, which is missing or deficient in individuals with Fragile X Syndrome. This protein is important in regulating pathways which are involved in creating and maintaining connections between cells in the brain.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drugs specifically for the treatment of Fragile X or its symptoms.
About Alcobra Ltd.
Alcobra Ltd. is an emerging biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of a proprietary drug, MG01CI, to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). MG01CI has completed Phase II studies to treat ADHD. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel.
SOURCE: Alcobra
Post Views: 49
