The collaborative project envisages the development of a new nootropic – a drug that enhances memory and cognitive processes.
The consortium consisting of the Jagiellonian University Medical College, the Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), and Celon Pharma S.A is working on a novel method of dementia treatment.
The new therapy will be a non-amyloid treatment, which means that it will not focus on amyloid beta, until now considered the chief factor responsible for Alzheimer disease.
The National Centre for Research and Development has granted more than 4 million zlotys to the project Nowa nieamyloidowa terapia zaburzeń poznawczych (New non-amyloid treatment of cognitive disorders), which envisages the development of a new nootropic – a drug that enhances memory and cognitive processes. The medication can also have antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.
The work on the project began in early 2015. In February the consortium agreement was signed and the project management committee was established, consisting of Dr hab. Paweł Zajdel (JU MC), Prof. Andrzej Bojarsk, Dr Maciej Wieczorek and Mikołaj Matłoka. The agreement was drafted in collaboration with the Jagiellonian University Centre for Innovation, Technology Transfer and University Development (CITTRU).
The consortium partners will carry out studies aimed at finding a prospective drug ready to undergo clinical tests. The JU Medical College and the PAN Institute of Pharmacology are responsible for designing chemical compounds, synthetic works, as well as biological and pharmacological research. The development of a new medicine does not only consist in creating a substance that is well suited for a specific biological purpose (which indicates its power), but also in the assessment of the fate of the substance in the organism (pharmacokinetics), as well as its safety.
The project is to conclude in 2017. Its total value is over 4.8 million PLN, 4,1 million of which is funded from the National Centre for Resaerch and Development, whereas the remainder is covered by the business partner.
Source of the Polish version: naukawpolsce.pap.pl
