The blood-brain barrier is the system of capillary endothelial cells that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood stream. It is this cell wall that also prevents the permeation of many therapeutic drugs into the brain. Research has established that most neuropeptides, molecules comprised of combinations of amino acids that are released by brain cells as intracellular messengers and growth factors, are normally unable to penetrate the blood-brain barrier when they are given as therapeutics.
Allon’s preclinical results confirmed the presence of AL-108, and eight amino acid neuropeptides in the cerebral spinal fluid of animals after intranasal and intravenous administration of these drug candidates.
The company’s extensive pre-clinical research suggests that its compounds protect against the injury and death of brain cells that occurs after onset of disease or injury to the central nervous system. Pre-clinical models have demonstrated that Allon’s compounds have potential in at least eight diseases and injuries of the central nervous system.
A phase I clinical trial has been conducted to evaluate AL-108 as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, data has yet to be analyzed. The next clinical development step for AL-108 is a second phase I trial to evaluate AL-108 in healthy adults most at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and ultimately in diagnosed Alzheimer’s patients.
Allon is seeking FDA approval to evaluate AL-208, the company’s second product, in clinical trials as an intravenous treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and post cardiac artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.