Rick,
Part of answers are in my response to James, #62,67 (he asked similar questions) few weeks ago. I can add few tips to that answers.
NT-3 , BDNF, CNTF, OXOKINE, (regn) ; CNTF, GDNF (amgn); CNTF, NT-4/5, CT-1 (gne/ctii), and others are all neuroprotective factors. Up to today the best clinical results show CNTF, but when amgn/regn increase dose to reach significant therapeutic response the drug show severe toxicity. Ctii already develop implant with cells secreting CNTF (P I/II in Europe) and they expect good results. Regn OXOKINE is mimetic CNTF (smaller) and they hope (with Medtronic) that it will not have toxicity (smaller dose, better bioaveability).
CL, this is also answer for you: In last CTII 10K they said that if the preclinical study with combination of the NT-4/5 and CT-1 (secreted by cells) for ALS show positive results they will abounded further CNTF development!!! Patent right is at amgn/regn!!!
Regards the TRTX/AMGN it is to early to predict what will *vector* bring in CNS therapy. AMGN is shooting everywhere and hoping something will hit target. I do not know much about their collaboration. German articles indicate that it is good method, but what will be *vector* side effect in brain is big question?? We are talking about nano-gram concentration!! Also, implant can be removed/substituted, and for *vector*?
Hoechst/Ariad/Genovo oral gene delivery and therapeutic proteins are, for now far, from CNS area.
Market is still there. ALS, Huntington's, Parkinson's, peripheral neuropathy, cancer neuropathy,..Drugs can be single therapy or synergistic.
One of-topic question: Who can be subjects/target of the ARQL acquisition (biology/medical expertise)?
Nice article in msn! One observation: elaboration few more companies!
BTW, did you receive my e-mail? I have some problems with computers!
mz
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