Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors Show Promise as Alzheimer's Treatment

Butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors being developed by Axonyx Inc. (New York) show promise as new strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. In animal models, the agents readily entered the brain and potently inhibited butyrylcholinesterase, which is elevated in the brains of Alzheimer's Disease patients.

The studies were conducted by Nigel H. Greig, chief of drug design and development in the Intramural Research Program at the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health. In the studies, researchers used a series of novel potent, reversible, and selective inhibitors of human butyrylcholinesterase. Preliminary studies of the action of these agents on memory and learning tasks in rodents and cell culture studies demonstrate ability of these drug compounds to reduce the production of toxic b-amyloid precursor protein and b-amyloid peptide.

According to Marvin S. Hausman, president and CEO of Axonyx, inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase in the brain may be associated with better long term response and functional stabilization of the Alzheimer's patient. "Our company is focused on development of the first unique, clinically available, reversible butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor," he added.

Axonyx Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the discovery, acquisition, and development of proprietary pharmaceutical compounds and new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and other memory disorders.

For more information: Linda Strascina, Director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, Axonyx Inc., 825 Third Ave., 40th Fl., New York, NY 10022. Tel: 212-688-4770. Fax: 212-688-4843.

Edited by Jim Pomager