(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors - Australia) Prana Biotechnology (ASX: PBT, NASDAQ: PRAN) continues to prove up the ability of its PBT2 as an effective treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
New data shows PBT2 is capable of reducing the damage to brain cells, caused by the accumulation of the tau protein, and preventing subsequent cognitive impairment.
The tau protein and the Abeta protein are the two major proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease.
The findings are consistent with the improvement in cognition previously reported in transgenic Alzheimer's mice studies and in patients in a phase IIa clinical trial, and further validate the metal targeting mechanism of action of PBT2.
To date, Abeta has been the primary therapeutic target for disease modifying drugs developed for Alzheimer's disease.
However, the clinical failure of several anti-Abeta drugs supports the view that targeting Abeta alone may be insufficient to improve outcomes for patients.
The other hallmark pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles, composed of abnormal tau protein.
PBT2 is currently in a phase II clinical trial, the IMAGINE trial, which is now fully enrolled and will be completed at the end of the year.
New data will be presented by Prana at the 11th International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease being held in Florence, Italy from 6 to 10 March 2013.
Prana remains well funded with around A$8.8 million cash at the end of the December quarter 2012.
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