Allon begins mild cognitive impairment trial

The phase I trial is administering AL-208 to 48 healthy adults randomized into six dose groups to evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics. Allon expects that the study will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2005, with data available in the first quarter of 2006.

Accoring to the company, mild cognitive impairment is a common result after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Some studies estimate that cognitive impairment can occur in up to 90% of patients in the first week post-surgery, that more than 50% of patients show impairment when discharged from the hospital, and that 24% continue to show impairment after six months. Studies have also revealed that, after five years, 42% of patients were significantly cognitively impaired compared to their pre-surgery performance.

“The beginning of clinical trials for Allon’s second product is another important milestone for the company,” said Gordon McCauley, president and CEO of Allon. “Our team has been very focused on realizing the significant potential of Allon’s portfolio of neuroprotective compounds in human clinical trials and it is gratifying to see this clinical trial for AL-208 progressing on schedule.”

Clinical drug development experts estimate the post heart bypass mild cognitive impairment market to be $3 billion.