May 18 2012
Avraham Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced today the commencement of a Phase
2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ladostigil in
patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This 36-month,
multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will
include at least 200 patients in 16 centers in Europe and Israel.
In parallel, Avraham Pharmaceuticals has also completed the enrollment
of 200 patients in a Phase 2 trial of ladostigil, a novel molecule for
the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The Phase 2 study
is a double-blind, closed-label, placebo-controlled trial taking place
at 20 sites in five countries across Europe. In January 2012, the
Company performed an interim analysis of this Phase 2 trial, which
indicated that the drug is safe and well tolerated, as well as shows a
positive trend toward efficacy. Final results of the 26-week trial are
expected in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The Company also announced today that it has appointed Yaacov Michlin,
CEO of Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem Ltd., the technology transfer arm of the University, as
Chairman of the Board and Yona Geffen, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer.
"We strongly believe in ladostigil and are confident that Yona's
background and extensive experience in developing therapies for
neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases renders her the
perfect choice to lead Avraham," said Yaacov Michlin, Chairman of
Avraham Pharmaceuticals and Chief Executive Officer of Yissum. "In
further researches performed by Prof. Weinstock-Rosin, ladostigil has
showed promise also for the treatment of MCI in addition to Alzheimer's
disease. We are pleased that another Phase 2 clinical trial in patients
with MCI has begun in parallel, and look forward to the final results of
the Phase 2 study for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease expected at
the end of this year."
"I am delighted to lead Avraham in these exciting times for the company,
as we advance ladostigil in 2 Phase 2 clinical trials simultaneously. We
believe that this unique drug candidate has the potential to transform
the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases," said Dr. Yona
Geffen, Avraham Pharmaceuticals Chief Executive Officer.
Phase 2 study evaluates safety and efficacy of asunercept in COVID-19 patients