Humanetics receives U.S. patent for NIC5-15 to treat Alzheimer's

The US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent supporting a long-term, multi-year research and development collaboration between Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM) and Humanetics Corporation to develop and commercialize a safe and effective means to prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Humanetics is the exclusive licensee for this patent.

In collaboration with MSSM, Humanetics is developing the use of NIC5-15 to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This compound, currently in a Phase IIb trial in the New York area, has been shown in preclinical studies and animal models to be effective in preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are believed to be a leading cause of Alzheimer's disease. A Phase IIa study was completed at the Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in 2008.

An estimated 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and 18 million are afflicted worldwide. The market in the U.S. for drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease is estimated to be $2 billion, with the worldwide market in excess of $4 billion. Thus far, there are no drugs approved for use that can prevent or reduce amyloid plaques.

"We are pleased that NIC5-15 has reached this critical milestone," said Ronald Zenk, President and CEO of Humanetics. "There is an urgent need for safe and effective disease modifying agents to lessen the debilitating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. We are hopeful that NIC5-15 will satisfy that need."