Key patents granted for Probiodrug’s pGlu-Abeta targeting monoclonal antibody program for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Probiodrug to attend International Conferences in January 2016
Probiodrug to Attend and Present at European and US Conferences in February 2016
HALLE/SAALE, Germany, 11 January 2016 – Probiodrug AG (Euronext Amsterdam: PBD), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutic solutions to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), announces, that key patents for its antibody program targeting pyroglutamate Abeta (pGlu-Abeta, also N3pG Abeta), were granted during the last quarter of 2015. Patents US 9,156,907 and JP 5,828,762, were granted in the US and in Japan, respectively, covering method as well as composition of matter claims.
A variant of amyloid beta, pGlu-Abeta has been shown to form hyper-neurotoxic Abeta-Oligomers, which are supposed to be a key component leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Probiodrug focuses on two pGlu-Abeta targeting approaches for the treatment of AD:
- PQ912, a small molecule inhibitor of Glutaminyl Cyclase, which prevents pGlu-Abeta formation and is currently in a Phase II trial.
- PBD-C06, a monoclonal antibody, binding specifically to pGlu-Abeta, is currently in preclinical development.
The company has validated the concept of targeting pGlu-Abeta by both means in preclinical studies and published data in a number of publications1,2.
While PQ912 is first in class, the pGlu-specific antibody PBD-C06 follows the monoclonal antibody LY3002813 developed by Eli Lilly, which has been advanced into a Phase Ib study in AD patients3. In this context, LY3002813, in addition to having an effect as a mono-therapy in an AD mouse model, also revealed an additive/synergistic effect on brain levels of Abeta when combined with a BACE inhibitor4.
Konrad Glund, CEO of Probiodrug, commented: “The patents granted by the US and Japanese patent offices are important milestones that strengthen our position in the development of an immunotherapy for AD based on a pGlu-Abeta specific monoclonal antibody. Probiodrug’s strategy to tackle pGlu-Abeta with two complementary approaches offers the ability to study the efficacy of each respective single agent, as well as in combination with each other, and with products that have different mode of action to treat AD.”
1Frost et al., Neurobiology of Aging 36 (2015) 3187-3199; 2Frost et al., The American Journal of Pathology, Vol. 183, No. 2, August 2013; 3clinicaltrials.gov, January 11th 2016; 4DeMattos et al., Alzheimer’s & Dementia (2015) Vol.11, Issue 7, Supplement, Pages P275–P276
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For more information, please contact:
Probiodrug
Dr Konrad Glund, CEO
Email: contact@probiodrug.de
Hume Brophy
Mary Clark, Supriya Mathur, Alexia Faure
Tel: +44 (0) 203 440 5657
Email: probiodrug@humebrophy.com
The Trout Group
Tricia Truehart
Tel: +1 (646) 378-2953
Email: ttruehart@troutgroup.com
Notes to Editors:
About Probiodrug AG
Headquartered in Halle, Germany, Probiodrug AG (Euronext Amsterdam: PBD) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new therapeutic products for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Founded in 1997, the company successfully developed a novel therapeutic concept for diabetes – the DP4 inhibitors – which provided the basis for a novel class of antidiabetics – the gliptins. Its core capabilities are based on its long-standing expertise in the elucidation of the structure and function of enzymes involved in the modification of proteins and peptides, which play a central role in pathological conditions.
Today Probiodrug’s aim is to become a leading company in the development of Alzheimer’s disease treatments and to thereby provide a better life for Alzheimer’s disease patients. It has identified a new therapeutic concept linked to disease initiation and progression. The development approaches are targeting pyroglutamate-Abeta (pGlu-Abeta) as a therapeutic strategy to fight Alzheimer’s disease. The Company has medical use and composition of matter patents related to the inhibition of Glutaminyl Cyclase (QC) and anti-pGlu-Abeta- specific monoclonal antibodies, providing it, in the Company’s view, with a leading position in this field of research.
About Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder, which is the most common form of dementia, and ultimately leads to death. Because Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured and is degenerative, the affected patients must increasingly rely on others for assistance. Today, 44 million people worldwide currently live with the condition and this number is expected to almost double by 2030 and to more than triple by 2050 to over 132 million. Alzheimer’s also has an estimated global societal cost of over $600 billion (World Alzheimer Report 2014).
Forward Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of Probiodrug AG as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.