New York University School of Medicine and the University of South Alabama have been issued a U.S. patent in relation to Oxigon for use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, according to Mindset BioPharmaceuticals, the drug’s manufacturer.

The patent covers the use of indole-3-propionic acid compounds, which work to inhibit deposits of amyloid fibers – a recognized component in Alzheimer’s disease -- as well as prevent damage from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

"Innovative therapies based on this technology could exert strong
therapeutic effects through a unique dual mode of action that targets key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease as well as other major diseases including Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease and stroke," said Dr. Daniel Chain, President and CEO of Mindset BioPharmaceuticals.

Oxigon currently is in preclinical development and is scheduled to enter clinical development in early 2003.

The first trial will becsponsored by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study, a consortium of leading clinical investigators that conducts clinical trials for promising new Alzheimer's therapies.

Other Sources: Mindset BioPharmaceuticals