NEW YORK, July 08, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cortice Biosciences announced today that Patent No. 9,072,746, “Method for Enhancing Learning and Memory Impaired by Neurodegenerative Disorders and Compounds and Compositions for Effecting the Same” has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademarks Office (USPTO). The ‘746 patent includes claims for methods of use of the Company’s lead beta-1 adrenergic receptor agonist, CRT 001 (xamoterol fumarate), for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Expiration of this patent is projected in 2031.
Based upon compelling preclinical results with CRT 001, as well as its attractive safety and tolerability profile previously proven in over 3,500 clinical subjects, Cortice intends to initiate development of CRT 001 for the treatment of multiple cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. New clinical studies with CRT 001 are expected to commence in 2016.
About CRT 001
CRT 001, an activator of the beta-1 adrenergic receptor (B1-ADR), has a unique pharmacologic profile that renders the drug well suited for potential treatment of cognitive disorders. B1-ADR is a G-protein coupled receptor that works with other receptor family members to control neuronal signaling mediated by noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter critical for learning and memory formation. Hence, as supported by positive results in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome, CRT 001 may be able to treat cognitive disorders associated with noradrenaline signaling defects. CRT 001 is identical to xamoterol fumarate, which was previously marketed in several European countries for the treatment of heart failure, and has been shown to be safe and well tolerated in over 70 clinical trials that enrolled over 3,500 subjects.
About Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory, general cognition, and the ability to carry out simple tasks required for daily living. Among adults over the age of 65 years, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and according to the Alzheimer’s Association, afflicts about 5.3 million individuals in the U.S. Approved treatments include drugs shown to temporarily boost cognitive performance in some patients, but no therapies have been proven to modify the course of disease.
About Cortice Biosciences
Cortice Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug development company developing novel therapies for oncologic and neurologic disease indications with urgent unmet medical need. More information can be found at www.corticebiosciences.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This media release may contain forward-looking statements about Cortice Biosciences, which can be identified by the use of terminology such as "will," "would," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "may," "estimates," "predicts," "projects,” or similar expressions intended to identify such statements. These statements reflect the current views of Cortice with respect to future events, are based on assumptions, and subject to risks and uncertainties.