Intellect Neurosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of disease-modifying therapeutic agents for the Alzheimer's disease and other serious neuro-degenerative conditions, announced it has received a new patent from the Israeli Patent and Trademark Office related to OX1, the company's clinical-stage drug candidate.

OX1 is a multi-modal, metal-binding, extremely potent antioxidant molecule that has been demonstrated in numerous cell-based and animal models to be exceptionally effective at protecting cells, especially nerve cells, from highly oxidizing conditions caused by oxidotoxins, metabolic inhibitors, heavy metals, neurotoxins such as beta amyloid, and ischemia. OX1, which is orally administered and has the potential to treat a broad spectrum of diseases, was found to be safe, well tolerated and rapidly absorbed into the body in human phase I clinical trials.

The new patent is the ninth patent received in relation to this patent family. Corresponding patents have issued in China, Russia, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, New Zealand, the United States and a Notice of Allowance has been received in Canada. Intellect is the exclusive licensee of the patents owned by New York University and the University of South Alabama Medical Science Foundation.

OX1 is the most advanced product in development with respect to Intellect's internal pipeline. In addition, the company has granted licenses to several major pharmaceutical companies that are developing other types of drug products based on Intellect's Antisenilin monoclonal antibody technology platform in phase I, phase II and phase III clinical development. OX1 works through a different mechanism of action than the Antisenilin technology.

Dr Daniel Chain, Intellect's chairman and CEO, stated: “We are pleased by this new patent for OX1 and anticipate a similar occurrence in Japan where we recently responded to an Official Office Action by the Japanese Patent and Trademark Office. We are increasingly excited about the potential of OX1 to treat neuro-degenerative diseases based on a growing base of scientific literature containing data published by numerous independent investigators around the world. These findings demonstrate the ability of OX1 to protect nerve cells from oxidative stress and also provide novel insights regarding its differentiating multi-modal mechanisms of action. OX1 neutralizes the activity of harmful over-abundant super Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and also is believed to act in various ways to diminish their production, for example, by stimulating the activity of mitochondria, the energy pumps of the cell. The unique combined properties and pharmacological profile of OX1 set it apart from other antioxidant approaches, such as those that have are currently being tested in various neurodegenerative conditions. The OX1 programme is generating significant interest among potential strategic licensing partners because of its multi-billion dollar market potential pending the outcome of future clinical trials in various possible disease indications. Typically, licensing deals result in payment of license fees, development milestones and royalties from drug sales, which could result in substantial revenues for Intellect.”

Intellect Neurosciences Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of disease-modifying therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other disorders. Its drug product pipeline includes OX1, which has been tested in phase I clinical trials; IN-N01, a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to promote the clearance of soluble amyloid beta; and Recall-Vax, a vaccine technology that has the potential to delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease in people who are at risk.