Avraham Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has begun treatment of the first patient in a Phase II clinical trial of Ladostigil, for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment. The three-year safety and efficacy of the drug for this indication will include 200 patients at 12 medical centers in Israel and Europe. The company believes that patient recruitment will take one year.
Avraham Pharmaceuticals is also continuing the Phase IIb clinical trial of Ladostigil at a different dosage for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Last week, the company reported positive interim results in the safety and efficacy of the drug for treating Alzheimer's.
Mild cognitive impairment is defined as an interim stage between normal aging and severe cognitive impairment associated with dementia. It includes memory problems, speech difficulties, and thought and judgment impairment. It is considered an early stage in the onset of Alzheimer's.
Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd. (TASE: CBI), the life sciences investment arm of Nochi Dankner's IDB Holding Corp. Ltd. (TASE:IDBH), owns 21% of Avraham Pharmaceuticals. Other investors are Pontifax and Yissum Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 31, 2012
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