|
|
|
|
|
Vasogen’s VP025 Provides a Neuroprotective Effect in Preclinical Model of Parkinson’s Disease Toronto, Ontario - October 26, 2004 Vasogen Inc. (NASDAQ:VSGN; TSX:VAS), a researcher and developer of immune modulation therapies targeting chronic inflammation, today announced the presentation of preclinical research demonstrating the ability of VP025 to provide a significant neuroprotective effect in a model of Parkinson's disease. The research, carried out by the Department of Anatomy/Neuroscience, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Ireland, was presented at Neuroscience 2004, the Society for Neuroscience's 34th Annual Meeting in San Diego. "The ability of VP025 to offer a protective effect in the brain and reduce neuron death in this preclinical model suggests that this drug may have potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease," said Dr. Aideen Sullivan, principal investigator for this study at University College Cork. "It is also encouraging to note that these data are consistent with other research being presented at this conference this week, which highlight the positive anti-inflammatory effects of VP025 in other preclinical models." Evidence is accumulating that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Microglial cells (immune cells resident in the brain) are activated in Parkinson's disease, producing pro-inflammatory factors that result in the death of nerve cells in various areas of the brain. The preclinical research presented today was based on a well-established model of Parkinson's disease that involves introduction of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), which mimics the pathology of this condition. Both Parkinson's disease and 6-OHDA administration are associated with inflammatory processes that lead to the death of certain nerve cells, the dopaminergic neurons, and it is the loss of these neurons that results in the movement abnormalities seen in this model. Pretreatment with VP025 significantly (p<0.001) reduced movement abnormalities seven days after 6-OHDA was administered to initiate nerve damage, and this protective effect continued until the end of the three-week study. VP025 also significantly attenuated both the reduction in dopamine (p<0.05) and the loss of dopaminergic neurons (p<0.05), factors that mediate behavioural changes in this model, as well as in Parkinson's disease. These results suggest that VP025 confers a neuro-protective effect in the brain, inhibiting the death of dopaminergic nerve cells, and that this protection may occur by preventing aberrant activation of immunoregulatory cells in the brain. Parkinson's disease, a chronic and progressive neurological condition, affects up to 1.5 million Americans. While its cause is unknown, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are primarily the result of degeneration of areas of the brain that control and modulate movement. Symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness and rigidity of limbs, and gait or balance problems. As the disease progresses, these symptoms usually increase and impact a person's ability to work and function. VP025, the lead product candidate from a new class of structurally related drugs, is being developed for the treatment of chronic neuro-inflammatory disorders. VP025 is designed to interact with immune cells leading to the modulation of cytokines - potent chemical messengers that regulate and control inflammation. Neurological conditions that are associated with an inflammatory response in the central nervous system include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). These indications are characterized by increased levels of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, leading to the death of nerve cells and the eventual loss of functional activity. Due to the prevalence, morbidity and mortality associated with neuro-inflammatory diseases, they represent a significant medical, social, and financial burden. About the Society for Neuroscience About Vasogen |