- Patent covers more than 100 novel compounds targeting
neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
-
MELBOURNE, Australia and SAN
FRANCISCO, Dec. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alterity
Therapeutics (ASX: ATH, NASDAQ: ATHE) ("Alterity" or "the
Company"), a biotechnology company dedicated to developing disease
modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today
announced that a new composition of matter patent has been allowed
by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The
patent was allowed following expedited review by the
USPTO.
The patent, entitled, "Compounds for and methods of treating
diseases", provides Alterity with 20 years of exclusivity and
expands its intellectual property estate for treating major
neurodegenerative diseases. The patent is based on a new scaffold
that is distinct from recent patents granted to Alterity and
includes more than 100 novel compounds, at least one of which has
demonstrated efficacy in an animal model of dementia.
Importantly, the patent covers iron chaperones which are small
molecules capable of binding and redistributing excess iron in the
central nervous system. Excess brain iron has been implicated in
the pathology of many important neurodegenerative diseases,
including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
diseases[1].
"This patent strengthens our portfolio of compounds for
treating important neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's
and Alzheimer's," said David
Stamler, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Alterity. "With this
patent, our discovery team has created a new scaffold that extends
our approach of targeting key proteins implicated in these
diseases. As we advance our lead clinical asset ATH434 in Phase 2,
we will continue to look to expand our pipeline with new,
patentable compounds that may modify the course of disease."
About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called
motor system disorders, which cause unintended or uncontrollable
movements of the body. The precise cause of PD is unknown, but some
cases are hereditary while others are thought to occur from a
combination of genetics and environmental factors that trigger the
disease. In PD, brain cells become damaged or die in the part of
the brain that produces dopamine--a chemical needed to produce
smooth, purposeful movement. The four primary symptoms of PD are
tremors, rigidity, slowing of spontaneous and automatic movement,
and impaired balance. Other symptoms may include difficulty
swallowing, chewing, or speaking; emotional changes; urinary
problems or constipation; dementia or other cognitive problems;
fatigue; and problems sleeping.[2] Nearly one
million people in the U.S. and more than 10 million people
worldwide are living with PD. Approximately 60,000 Americans are
diagnosed with PD each year.[3]
About Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that
causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a
continuous decline in thinking, behavioral, and social skills that
affects a person's ability to function independently. Approximately
5.8 million people in the United
States age 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Of
those, 80% are 75 years old and older. Out of the approximately 50
million people worldwide with dementia, between 60% and 70% are
estimated to have Alzheimer's disease. Medications may temporarily
improve or slow progression of symptoms, but there is no treatment
that cures Alzheimer's disease or alters the disease process in the
brain. In advanced stages of the disease, complications from severe
loss of brain function, such as dehydration, malnutrition or
infection, result in death.[4]
About Alterity Therapeutics Limited
Alterity Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company
dedicated to creating an alternate future for people
living with neurodegenerative diseases. The Company's lead
asset, ATH434, has the potential to treat various Parkinsonian
disorders. Alterity also has a broad drug discovery platform
generating patentable chemical compounds to intercede in disease
processes. The Company is based in Melbourne, Australia, and San Francisco, California, USA. For further
information please visit the Company's web site at
www.alteritytherapeutics.com.
[1]Hagemeier J, Geurts J, Zivadinov R. Brain iron
accumulation in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Expert
Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2012,12:12, 1467-1480, DOI:
10.1586/ern.12.128
[1]Ayton S, Fazlollahi A, Bourgeat P, Raniga P, Ng A,
Lim YY, Diouf I, Farquharson S, Fripp J, Ames D, Doecke J, Desmond
P, Ordidge R, Masters CL, Rowe CC, Maruff P, Villemagne VL;
Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) Research Group,
Salvado O, Bush AI. Cerebral quantitative susceptibility mapping
predicts amyloid-β-related cognitive decline. Brain. 2017
Aug 1;140(8):2112-2119. doi:
10.1093/brain/awx137. PMID: 28899019.
[1]Zucca F, Segura-Aguilar J, Ferrari E, Muñoz P, Paris
I, Sulzer D, Sarna T, Casella L, Zecca L. Interactions of iron,
dopamine and neuromelanin pathways in brain aging and Parkinson's
disease. Progress in Neurobiology, Volume 155, 2017, Pages 96-119,
ISSN 0301-0082, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.012
[2]National Institute of Health: Neurological Disorders
and Stroke, Parkinson's Disease Information Page;
[3]Parkinson's Foundation
[4]Mayo Clinic: Alzheimer's Disease
Authorisation & Additional information
This announcement was authorized by David Stamler, CEO of Alterity Therapeutics
Limited.
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SOURCE Alterity Therapeutics