Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes a progressive and debilitating degeneration of the brain. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s affects approximately 4.5 million Americans older than 65. Research shows that by age 80, one in three people will develop AD.
Nerve damage from a build-up of protein deposits, known as amyloid plaques, and tangled nerve fibers cause brain-cell death and gradual loss of brain function. The mental-decline characteristic of AD begins with memory loss. We all forget things. Is this memory loss a natural part of aging, or is it the beginning of something more profound and frightening, like Alzheimer’s? If it is, as the disease progresses, comprehension, speech, emotions, inhibitions, and physical problems arise, and the ability to care for oneself becomes greatly diminished.
Researchers are not sure why or how the disease occurs, nor are they sure if the amyloid plaques found in the brains of AD patients are a cause or a result of the disease. And while a number of potential risk factors are being studied to determine a correlation with developing AD, age and family history are known to be the biggest factors.
Many medications are available to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression, but at this time, there is no cure for AD. As with any disease, tests for early detection are critical for patient success and the possibility of finding a cure. Giant biopharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer, have a jump on the market. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and Eisai (OTC: ESALY.PK) sell Aricept, the No. 1 drug for symptomatic relief of AD, followed by Novartis’ (NYSE: NVS) Exelon and Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) Razadyne, also known as Reminyl.
Many smaller biotechnology companies around the world are working in the same area as the industry giants. Over the past five years, the following companies have shown great returns and have exciting products that would benefit Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. With baby boomers approaching midlife, it is apparent that the number of people suffering from AD will be staggering. Medications and therapies to delay progression or, ideally, to prevent AD is a huge need.
Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ: MYGN) is a $1.6 billion company headquartered in Salt Lake City. It is conducting a 1,700-patient phase III trial with its drug Flurizan, which is an amyloid-lowering agent to treat mild AD. Myriad also focuses on drugs targeting cancer, thrombosis, and AIDS. Over the past five years, the stock price has trended upward (+229%), yet it has fallen since October 2007. The Flurizan study ended in March of 2008, and assuming it will file an application for FDA approval, it is a stock to consider. In all likelihood, Flurizan will be the first among the next generation of Alzheimer’s drugs to go before the FDA. If approved, it could reach $600 million in annual sales by 2012 and could peak as high as $1.2 billion.
Resverlogix Corp. (TSE: RVX, OTC: RVXCF.PK), a $350 million Canadian biotech, is primarily involved in the research and development of products for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and fibrosis. Resverlogix has also developed NexVas Alzheimer’s Disease (NexVas AD), a technology for the development of drugs to enhance ApoA-1 stabilization and regression of amyloid plaque. Over the past five years, the Resverlogix stock has soared over 900%.
Prana Biotechnology (NASDAQ: PRAN), based in Melbourne, Australia, recently announced success in a 12-week phase IIa study of the compound PBT2’s effects on early AD. The 78-person study showed safety and tolerability among the participants, and PBT2 was found to improve functional performance in two of four cognitive tests. The compound does not appear to improve memory, but it improves one’s ability to perform daily activities. Since the announcement was made, company directors have confirmed that they are in discussions with a number of large pharmaceutical companies regarding the licensing PBT2. With the initial announcement, Prana rose nearly 50% but has since leveled off. Over the past year, it has trended upward, rising 87%, and the company appears to have a promising future.
— By Dorothy Bernet and Stacey Whittle
Dorothy Bernet, MS, RD, CPT, and Stacey Whittle, RD, CPT, own and operate Healthy by Design Nutrition Specialists in Santa Monica, Calif. For more information, visit healthybydesignnutrition.com.
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