Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder characterized clinically by progressive loss of memory, cognition, reasoning, and judgment that gradually leads to profound mental deterioration and ultimately death. AD is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly and is characterized by the brain accumulation of insoluble fibrillar amyloid deposits containing the beta-amyloid protein (Abeta). Abeta amyloid formation, deposition and persistence in brain is believed to play a central role in AD pathogenesis by contributing to neuronal loss and memory dysfunction, and therefore is a central target for the development of new therapeutics for the treatment of AD and related disorders. Our previous Phase I studies first identified a new and relevant Abeta binding site on laminin localized to the globular domain repeats on the laminin A chain. Over 300 overlapping 12-13mer peptides spanning the binding site area were synthesized and tested using a varietry of in vitro screening methods to determine the best 12-13mer peptides demonstrating the most potent anti-Abeta amyloid inhibitory/disruptive activity. In Phase II studies, we assessed the top six 12-13mer peptides and designed, synthesized, tested and identified smaller 6-9mer peptide analogs that served as lead pre-clinical candidates. These rigorous studies have now led to the identification of two novel small 7mer D-amino acid peptides that following peripheral administration in a relevant APP transgenic plaque producing animal model of AD cause a marked reduction and clearance of brain Abeta amyloid load (by 50-70%), and improved memory (by 28-44%). This Phase II SBIR continuation proposal project will now further develop these two novel 7mer pre- clinical candidate peptides in vitro and in vivo to determine their pharmakokinetic, blood-brain-barrier permeability, and toxicity profiles. Best route of administration (i.e. nasal, i.v. and/or s.c.), dosage and time- dependent efficacy for reduction and clearance of brain Abeta amyloid and improved memory will also be further determined in the APP transgenic plaque-producing mouse model that demonstrates memory deficits with increased Abeta burden. These studies will help us select a novel small peptide pre-clinical candidate (and its backup) that will be developed for human clinical trials and commercialization, and that has the promise to serve as an exciting new treatment for AD and related Abeta amyloidosis. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44AG017787-06
Application #
7238597
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-L (11))
Program Officer
Buckholtz, Neil
Project Start
2000-04-01
Project End
2008-12-31
Budget Start
2007-05-15
Budget End
2008-03-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$822,374
Indirect Cost
Name
Proteotech, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
028808843
City
Kirkland
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98034