Neuro-Hitech, Xel sign development agreement for Alzheimer's transdermal patch

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., March 21 - Neuro-Hitech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. said it has signed a development agreement with Xel Herbaceuticals, Inc to develop a transdermal patch to treat Alzheimer's disease.

The therapeutic agent, Huperzine A, is a molecule currently undergoing phase 2 clinical testing as an orally administered treatment for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, according to a company news release.

"We are very excited by this agreement, especially so because Xel has two world renowned scientists, Dr. Dinesh Patel and Dr. Danyi Quan, both pioneers in transdermal patch technology, both founders and driving forces behind Xel's transdermal drug delivery program," president and chief executive officer Reuben Seltzer said in the release.

A transdermal patch is an ideal way to deliver any Alzheimer's treatment, since patients often forget to take their medication. It is also a more efficient way to deliver drugs with smaller doses required and increased patient compliance, officials said.

Neuro-Hitech's phase 1 study of healthy elderly subjects and orally administered Huperzine A. showed no medication doses missed because of adverse events related to treatment, no evidence of gastrointestinal toxicity, and no adverse effect on vital signs, exams and labs.

The company said it expects to complete the current phase 2 trials by the end of the year, with data available in early 2007.

Neuro-Hitech has additional strategic agreements in Huperzine A research, including an exclusively licensed portfolio of patents for Huperzine A and its analogs from the Mayo Clinic. The company has research agreements with Georgetown University Medical Center, the University of California at San Diego, and the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Studygroup.

Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 25 million worldwide, according to the release.

Neuro-Hitech is a drug development company engaged in the development and commercialization of Huperzine A and its analogues for degenerative neurological disorders. The company is located in New York.

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