Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a
disabling and degenerative disease of the nervous system which affects 2.3
million people worldwide and unfortunately continues to grow every year.
Madrid, M, Spain – October 14, 2014 – ANKAR PHARMA’s drug candidate
aimed to fight multiple sclerosis is AP-1, a first-in-class small molecule with
a dual innovative mechanism of action and high activity in preclinical models.
AP-1 has shown high activity in all key components associated to MS in the
worldwide accepted model of MS: the experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE)
one.
AP-1 is able to decrease the clinical symptoms (neurological score) in
the EAE model after chronic preventive treatment or, in the worst situation,
when the compound is administered at the peak of the disease. The efficacy in
this murine model is similar or better that the produced by fingolimod, the
most recent approved drug for MS orally treatment. Moreover, AP-1 is able to
reduce inflammation, protects olygodendrocyte from death and promotes their
growth and it is able to increase remyelinization. AP-1 penetrates in the brain
and can be orally administered.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disabling and degenerative disease of the
nervous system which affects 2.3 million people worldwide and unfortunately
continues to grow every year. The countries with the highest rate of patients
affected by multiple sclerosis are the USA, Canada, the UK, Scandinavia and
Australia.
Multiple Sclerosis causes progressive fatigue, muscle spasms and
paralysis, incontinence, visual disturbances and other cognitive and
neurological impairments. In the most severe cases, patients are unable to
walk, speak, write or eventually breathe.
About ANKAR PHARMA
ANKAR PHARMA is a spin-off company born in the CSIC (Spanish Council for
Research) that will help to accelerate the translation of basic research on
drug discovery to clinical trials for severe human unmet diseases such as
neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic diseases.
To minimize the risk and optimize the success, ANKAR PHARMA will work by
different projects supported by different partners and collaborators. All of
them will be focused on new drug candidates with innovative mechanism of action
for diverse diseases where no effective treatment exists. The first efforts of
the company are aimed to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
To learn more ANKAR PHARMA or
AP-1 or to help support efforts, please visit:
Contact
Michael De
José Belzunce
Madrid, M,
Spain
