VANCOUVER, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Anavex Life Sciences Corp. ("Anavex")
(OTCBB: AVXL) today announced new and dramatic data concerning its
Alzheimer's disease treatment candidate ANAVEX 2-73 and leading
Alzheimer's treatments Aricept® (donepezil HCl) and Namenda® (memantine
HCl).
A clear synergic effect of ANAVEX 2-73 with Aricept® (donepezil HCl) has
been demonstrated in a scientific study conducted by Tangui Maurice,
PhD, CNRS Research Director, Head of Team 2 "Endogenous Neuroprotection
in Neurodegenerative Diseases", at the University of Montpellier and
INSERM, in France.
"This new study emphasizes the anti-amnesic and neuroprotective effects
of ANAVEX 2-73, and for the first time describes the potential benefits
of administering ANAVEX 2-73 with donepezil," said Dr. Maurice.
"ANAVEX 2-73 showed efficacy in reversing learning impairments and
toxicity in pre-clinical models. The new data confirms both a
restorative effect of ANAVEX 2-73, and in combination with donepezil
the potential to boost the therapeutic efficacy of each drug."
The new data was presented at the world's largest gathering of dementia
researchers at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference®
(AAIC) being held this week in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The
presentation is titled, "Neuroprotective efficacy of ANAVEX 2-73, a
novel tetrahydrofuran derivative targeting the sigma-1 chaperone
protein, in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Analyses of
administration schedules and combination studies with donepezil and
memantine." Conducted jointly by INSERM at University of Montpellier
and by Anavex Life Sciences Corp., details of the study are described
on Anavex's website http://www.anavex.com/files/2012-07-16_ANAVEX_2-73_Poster_AAIC.pdf.
About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (www.anavex.com) is a pharmaceutical company engaged in the development of novel drug
candidates. Anavex utilizes its proprietary SIGMACEPTOR Platform to
develop drug candidates targeting specific clinical indications. Lead
compound ANAVEX 2-73, developed to treat Alzheimer's through disease
modification, is in human clinical trials. A Phase 1 single ascending
dose study of ANAVEX 2-73 was successfully completed in Germany in
2011. Studies indicate that ANAVEX 2-73 demonstrates anti-amnesic and
neuroprotective properties, and that it is well tolerated in doses up
to 55mg. The company is preparing to embark on a multiple ascending
dose clinical trial of ANAVEX 2-73 in 2012. Anavex is a publicly traded
corporation quoted as AVXL.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in
nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are only
predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a
number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ
materially from those projected in any of such statements due to
various factors, including the risks and uncertainties inherent in drug
discovery and development, which include, without limitation, the
potential failure of development candidates to advance through
preclinical studies or demonstrate safety and efficacy in clinical
testing and the ability to pass clinical trials so as to move on to the
next phase, our ability to finance development or satisfy the rigorous
regulatory requirements for new drugs, our ability to attract and
retain quality personnel, and that despite positive results, our
competitors may offer better or cheaper alternatives. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All
forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this
cautionary statement and Anavex Life Sciences Corp. undertakes no
obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Research & Business Development
Email: info@anavex.com
Shareholder & Media Relations
Toll-free: 1-866-505-2895
Outside North America: +1 (416) 489-0092
Email: ir@anavex.com
www.anavex.com
SOURCE Anavex Life Sciences Corp.