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news.Germany's Schering AG is to collaborate with Philadelphia-based Avid Radiopharmaceuticals to develop novel diagnostic imaging agents to help with the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
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According to the companies, the current lack of clinical methods for definitive diagnosis remains a significant impediment for the management of Alzheimer’s patients, as well as for the development of new therapies for this devastating condition.
The compounds made by Avid directly bind to the amyloid plaques in the brain thought to cause Alzheimer’s disease. They can be used with a variety of common, non-invasive imaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. The potential of this compound class to accumulate preferentially in brain structures of Alzheimer’s patients with high amyloid beta load has already been demonstrated in pilot human studies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Schering will have the option to assume exclusive rights for the development and commercialization of such compounds for use with PET scanning technology.
“With this novel approach we could be amongst the first to offer a method for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease using objective physical measures. We are looking forward to investigating the promise of such innovative agents,” said Dr Hans Maier, head of Global Business Unit Diagnostic Imaging at Schering.