NEW YORK, June 30, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (“Anavex” or the “Company”) (OTCQX:AVXL) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing drug candidates to treat Alzheimer’s disease, other central nervous system (CNS) diseases, pain, and various types of cancer, today announced the presentation of initial clinical data from the ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial of ANAVEX 2-73 during the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2015 (AAIC), which takes place in Washington D.C. from July 18-23, 2015.
Poster Presentation Details
| Title: | New Exploratory Alzheimer’s Drug ANAVEX 2-73 Changes in Electrophysiological Markers in Alzheimer’s Disease - First Patient Data from an ongoing Phase 2a Study in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s Patients | ||
| Date/Time: | Wed., July 22, 2015 | ||
| 9:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. | |||
| Location: | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall E |
The multicenter Phase 2a clinical trial of ANAVEX 2-73 consists of two parts, in which at least 32 mild to moderate Alzheimer’s patients will be enrolled. The first part (PART A) is a simple randomized, open-label, two-period, cross-over, adaptive trial lasting up to 36 days for each patient. The second part (PART B) is an open-label extension for an additional 26 weeks, so as to establish a longer drug effect for the patients who wish to continue on an oral daily dose.
The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose of ANAVEX 2-73 in these patients. Secondary trial objectives include dose response, bioavailability, exploratory cognitive efficacy using mini-mental state examination score (MMSE) and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, including event-related potentials (EEG/ERP), as well as the relationship of ANAVEX 2-73 as an add-on therapy to donepezil, the current standard of care.
Additional information regarding the ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial is available from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trials database at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
About ANAVEX 2-73 and ANAVEX PLUS
ANAVEX 2-73 is an orally available small molecule being investigated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to preclinical data indicating that ANAVEX 2-73 has the potential to prevent, halt and/or reverse the course of Alzheimer’s disease, there was a highly encouraging synergistic effect observed between ANAVEX 2-73 and donepezil (Aricept®). The combined therapeutic, called ANAVEX PLUS, produced up to 80% greater reversal of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease models versus when the drugs were used individually.
About AAIC
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC) is the world’s largest forum for the dementia research community. International investigators, clinicians and care providers gather annually to share the latest study results, theories and discoveries to bring the world closer to breakthroughs in dementia science. As part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (OTCQX:AVXL) is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel drug candidates to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases and various types of cancer. Anavex’s lead drug candidates, ANAVEX 2-73 and ANAVEX PLUS, the combination of ANAVEX 2-73 and donepezil (Aricept®), are currently in a Phase 2a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease. ANAVEX 2-73 is an orally available drug candidate that targets sigma-1 and muscarinic receptors and successfully completed Phase 1 with a clean data profile. Preclinical studies demonstrated its potential to halt and/or reverse the course of Alzheimer’s disease. It has also exhibited anticonvulsant, anti-amnesic, neuroprotective and anti-depressant properties in convulsive epileptic animal models, indicating its potential to treat additional CNS disorders, including epilepsy and others. The drug combination ANAVEX PLUS produced up to 80% greater reversal of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease models versus when the drugs were used individually. Further information is available at www.anavex.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Anavex Life Sciences Corp. undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.