IGC-AD1 Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease to be commercialized in early 2018 Through Medical Dispensaries
October 18 2017 - 8:00AM
India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE-MKT:IGC) provides
compelling in vitro data compiled from genetically engineered cell
lines within an Alzheimer’s disease model, showing that at varying
concentrations of IGC-AD1 the expression of GSK3β is reduced by as
much as 62%, leading in turn to a reduction in hyper
phosphorylation of tau protein.
“Based on this and other previously announced
compelling data, we are readying IGC-AD1, brand name Hyalolex, in a
liquid formulation for commercialization in early 2018,” stated
IGC’s CEO, Ram Mukunda.
We have identified Germany, Canada and certain
licensed medical cannabis states in the U.S. for commercialization.
The German market recently opened for imports of cannabis products
that can be sold in licensed pharmacies. Our initial research
indicates that there are about 7.8 million patients with AD in
these combined markets.
One of the two types of legions found in the
brain of AD patients is intracellular neurofibrillary tangles
(NFTs) composed of tau protein. This study shows that IGC-AD1
inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) a major kinase
(catalyst) in the phosphorylation of tau protein. Curtailing
abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau, which leads to NFTs, is an
accepted strategy for combating AD.
Tau proteins are Microtubule Associated Proteins
(MAPs) that stabilize microtubules within a neuron. Abnormally
phosphorylated tau leads to a disassociation of tau from MAP,
leading to a destabilization of microtubule associated protein
complexes; eventually leading to neuronal degeneration. Studies
have shown that in the brains of AD patients the phosphorylation of
tau is 3 to 4 times more than in normal brains.
This study result, when combined with the
earlier reported data that shows IGC-AD1 reduces Aβ production and
inhibits Aβ aggregation without any neuronal toxicity, represents a
novel breakthrough. The summary in vitro data indicates that at
varying concentrations of IGC-AD1, GSK3β levels decreased between
53% and 62%. This in turn curtailed hyperphosphorylation of
tau protein as measured by immunoblotting studies on N2aAβPPswe
cells. Dr. Chuanhai Cao, IGC’s Senior Advisor and Associate
Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USF’s College of Pharmacy
conducted the studies.
About Alzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s Disease
(AD) is a form of dementia. It is known as America’s most
expensive disease, with an estimated cost to the U.S. economy of
$236 billion. AD currently affects more than 5.3 million
Americans and over 65% of AD patients are women. Over the
next 20 years, the number of those afflicted with the disease is
expected to double. The forecast is staggering, considering
that to date, no effective cure has been found.
About IGCIGC is engaged in the development of
cannabis based combination therapies to treat Alzheimer’s, pain,
nausea, eating disorders, several end points of Parkinson’s, and
epilepsy in dogs and cats. IGC has assembled a portfolio of
patent filings and four lead product candidates addressing these
conditions. The company is based in Maryland, USA.
For more information please visit www.igcinc.us Follow us on
Twitter @IGCIR and Facebook.com/IGCIR/
Forward-looking StatementsPlease see forward
looking statements as discussed in detail in IGC's Form 10K for
fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, and in other reports filed with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Claudia Grimaldi
301-983-0998