Probiodrug collaborates with the Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Germany
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HALLE/SAALE, Germany, 12 October 2015 – Probiodrug AG (Euronext Amsterdam: PBD), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutic solutions to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), announced that it has entered into a Collaborative Research and Material Transfer Agreement with Prof Steffen Rossner of the Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Germany.
This agreement is aimed to further elucidate the function of Glutaminyl Cyclases (QCs) under physiological and pathological conditions. Probiodrug will bring their proprietary QC-knockout mice models into this collaboration and is supporting the research at the Paul-Flechsig-Institute. Any IP arising from this collaboration will be assigned to and commercialized by Probiodrug. In case of commercialization of such IP, the Leipzig University will receive certain pre-defined payments.
Inge Lues, Chief Development Officer of Probiodrug, commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with the renowned Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, particularly with Prof Steffen Rossner, a recognized expert in the field. This collaboration aims at supporting our development efforts in the field of QC inhibition, where our lead molecule is already in Phase 2a trial, the SAPHIR trial.”
Steffen Rossner of Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, added: “This cooperation with Probiodrug is an important step for us in developing our industrial collaboration network as well as further participating in the research around QCs as drug targets, an emerging field increasingly recognized by both academic research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.”
The Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research is a neuroscience research institute of Leipzig University’s Medical Faculty. Established in 1974, its history can be traced back to the founding of the “Hirnanatomisches Laboratorium” by Paul Flechsig in the year 1883. The Institute’s scientific emphases lie on cellular and molecular aspects of neurodegenerative diseases and glial reactions in the brain and the retina.
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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 5653
Email: probiodrug@humebrophy.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.