AlzProtect develops drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease -2

With an ageing population in industrialised countries, the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease is increasing dramatically. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is estimated that currently 47.5 million people in the world suffer from dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is involved in 60 to 70% of cases. According to WHO, the number of patients could reach 135 million in 2050.

Based in Lille, AlzProtect develops a drug, AZP2006, whose mode of action and effects differ greatly from products that have been developped by the industry for the past 15 years. This drug acts on main causes of neurodegenerative diseases, and in particular those of Alzheimer’s disease. It is developed primarily for the treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare disease that no treatment can stop or slow down.

The product has been tested in a reference rodent model and has demonstrated the reversal of Alzheimer’s symptoms and neuroprotective efficacy: the mice, after having lost their cognitive abilities at an advanced stage, have recovered all of their memory learning abilities.

AZP2006 has been granted the status of «orphan drug» in Europe (European Medicines Agency) and in the United States (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of PSP.

It has been tested on healthy subjects during two Phase 1 clinical trials and demonstrated excellent tolerability with no adverse effects.

Phase 2 studies will be conducted soon on patients with PSP. Its placement on the market for this indication is expected in about ten years. A Temporary Use Permits is expected within 3 to 5 years.