Business
Re Agreement
Re Agreement.
About this update from Ixico Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n RNS Number : 1249W Phytopharm PLC 23 July 2009 \n \nPhytopharm enters an agreement with CHDI to evaluate the potential efficacy of Cogane™ in the treatment of Huntington's disease (HD)\n\nHuntington's disease represents a new indication for Cogane™\n\n\nGODMANCHESTER, Cambridgeshire, U.K. (23 July 2009) - Phytopharm plc (LSE: PYM) ('Phytopharm' or the 'Company') today announces that it has entered into an agreement with CHDI Foundation, Inc. in the USA to evaluate the efficacy of its orally active, neurotrophic factor inducer PYM50028 (Cogane™), in a preclinical model of Huntington's disease (HD). \nHD is a hereditary and degenerative condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that carries a 50% risk of being inherited by the children of an affected parent. HD affects a wide range of brain activities and symptoms, cognitive and physical impairments gradually become apparent in middle age. Changes in personality or mood may be the earliest signs of the disease, followed by problems with memory and involuntary movements. There is currently no cure for HD.\n\nCHDI will fund the testing of Cogane™, in its network of industrial contract research organisations, employing its standardised criteria for the rigorous evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches for HD treatment. The testing will begin immediately and is expected to be completed in Q1 2010.\n\nIn preclinical models, Cogane™ increases the body's own production of a group of proteins called neurotrophic factors. One of these factors, 'BDNF', is known to be decreased in the brains of HD patients. Increasing the brain level of BDNF has been postulated as a potential treatment for HD. However, since BDNF is a protein it cannot be given orally (in pill or liquid form) because it is degraded in the stomach and intestine, and also does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Cogane™, which can be taken orally, readily distributes into the brain and stimulates the release of endogenous BDNF in the brain. It therefore has the potential to overcome the technical difficulties associated with exogenous BDNF administration.\n\nMr Sandy Morrison, CEO of Phytopharm, said: 'We are delighted to have entered an agreement with CHDI to explore the potential of Cogane™ in a preclinical model of&nbs...