During the upcoming World Alzheimer Day, the German MDR radio will feature the efforts by German biotechnology company Probiodrug to develop novel strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). MDR’s FIGARO am Vormittag morning magazine will introduce the company’s hypothesis on the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and highlight the latest research results published by Probiodrug and co-workers from German and US research institutions in the recent  Journal of Neuroscience.  » Read more...

Probiodrug provides further insights into the onset of AD in The Journal of Neuroscience

Probiodrug AG (Probiodrug), a biotech company developing novel products for the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders, today announced the publication of data providing key insights into the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the Journal of Neuroscience (http://redir.ec/jneurosci).

AD is characterized by deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in the brain. However, quantitative relationship between plaque deposition and severity of cognitive decline in the affected individuals is still elusive. Often, elderly people carry a large amyloid burden without any signs of cognitive impairments, and many animal models of AD also develop the characteristic hallmarks, such as plaques, but do not demonstrate the cognitive defects and loss of neurons typical of the human disease.  » Read more...

- Data on novel PDE2 inhibitor BCA909 presented at 24^th ECNP Congress in Paris -

biocrea, a biopharmaceutical company focusing on novel treatments for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), today announced data on its innovative CNS-penetrating PDE2 inhibitor. The compound, which is code-named BCA909, was selected as a candidate for preclinical development  earlier this year. It demonstrates strong potential for the treatment of diseases in which normal learning and memory is impaired, e.g. mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Details on the compound were presented at the 24th ECNP Congress of the European College of Neuropharmacology in Paris, France (Sept. 3-7, 2011).  » Read more...

Galantamine and transdermal rivastigmine plaster can delay loss of cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, Germany’s Institute for Quality and Efficacy in Health Care (IQWiG) said in a preliminary report published on its website. In 2007, IQWiG had issued a negative report on the benefit of donezepil, galantamine and rivastigmine, however in 2009 the institute initiated an update, adding additional published and unpublished studies for the appraisal of galantamine and including the rivastigmine plaster which entered the German market in 2007.  » Read more...

Andreas Sentker in Die ZEIT takes up the issue of rising eco-terrorism in Germany directed against field trials of genetically modified plants. These plants are an easy target as trial sites have to be disclosed to the public in registers following legislation initiated by the former red-green coalition in Germany. While in the past years opponents of genetically modified plants only targeted the plants they dub as ”Gen-Dreck”, violence is now also directed against security firms and guards watching the fields. Last week, a masked gang assaulted security guards, looted their mobile phones and destroyed different plants of research projects from the University of Rostock. The plants were carrying genes for the production of biopolymers and for a vaccine against viral diseases.  » Read more...