IGC Pharma Begins Patient Enrollment at Baycrest for Phase 2 IGC-AD1 Trial

IGC Pharma, Inc (NYSE American: IGC), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has commenced patient enrollment at the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This initiative is part of the Company’s ongoing Phase 2 trial to evaluate IGC-AD1, a treatment for agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating condition, affects millions globally. One of the most challenging symptoms associated with this disease is agitation, which impacts 40-80% of patients. This symptom often leads to long-term hospitalization, increased mortality, and a higher reliance on medication.

IGC-AD1, a partial CB1 receptor agonist, possesses anti-neuroinflammatory properties and acts as an inflammasome inhibitor. These characteristics address critical pathways involved in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances, which are believed to contribute to agitation in Alzheimer's disease.

Baycrest, located in Toronto, is known for its leadership in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation, and education, with a distinct emphasis on brain health and aging. The site is in the North York district of Toronto and is renowned for its work in cognitive neurology.

Dr. Howard Chertkow, Chair of Cognitive Neurology and Innovation at Baycrest, highlighted the significance of enrolling patients for this trial. He emphasized that the study is crucial in exploring the potential of IGC-AD1 to offer relief to Alzheimer’s patients who experience severe agitation. Dr. Chertkow urged caregivers of patients exhibiting symptoms such as pacing, uncooperativeness, resistance to assistance, repetitive movements, hoarding, negativism, constant complaining, and aggression to consider enrolling in the trial. He explained that the trial involves caregivers spending time with the patient daily, maintaining a logbook, and accompanying the patient to the center four times over six weeks.

Ram Mukunda, CEO of IGC Pharma, expressed excitement about expanding the Phase 2 trial to Baycrest, acknowledging the institution’s prestigious reputation. He noted the importance of this collaboration with Dr. Chertkow, whose expertise and prolific research in Alzheimer's dementia are invaluable for progressing the clinical trial. Mukunda also mentioned that the trial received approval from Health Canada, allowing it to proceed at such a renowned site.

IGC Pharma aims to enroll 164 patients in this trial, with half receiving IGC-AD1 and the other half receiving a placebo. The company has also contracted 12 U.S. trial sites and plans to enroll additional sites in Canada to ensure population diversity.

IGC Pharma is dedicated to developing innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The company leverages AI-powered platforms to advance its therapeutic candidates. The IGC-C and IGC-M platforms are in preclinical stages, focusing on metabolic disorders, tau proteins, early plaque formation, and multiple disease hallmarks. The lead candidate, IGC-AD1, has shown promise in providing faster-acting and effective relief for agitation in Alzheimer’s patients compared to traditional medications. Additionally, the company’s AI models aim to predict biomarkers for early Alzheimer’s detection, optimize clinical trials, and predict receptor affinity.

Baycrest, as an internationally recognized leader, offers exceptional senior health and residential care, prioritizing brain health and aging. The institution's programs are dedicated to holistic aging health, dementia prevention, early cognitive decline detection, and treatment for cognitive and physical frailty. Baycrest leads Canada’s largest federally funded dementia research program and co-chaired the inaugural Government of Canada’s Dementia Advisory Board. The institution strives to create a world where older adults lead lives of purpose, inspiration, and fulfillment, free from dementia.