IGC Pharma Reveals New Data Supporting IGC-AD1 for Alzheimer's

POTOMAC, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IGC Pharma, Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) recently unveiled data reinforcing the potential of IGC-AD1 as a treatment modifying the course of Alzheimer's disease. This data highlights the positive effects of IGC-AD1 on tau tangles and spatial memory, complementing earlier findings that suggested its potential in reducing amyloid plaque.

The company’s preclinical studies on Alzheimer's cell lines have demonstrated that IGC-AD1 has a significant impact on tau pathology. Specifically, the data reveals that IGC-AD1 effectively reduces hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, a process closely linked to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are associated with cognitive decline. Notably, the combined active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in IGC-AD1 reduced the ratio of phosphorylated tau to total tau by around 10%, whereas the individual API tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) increased this ratio by 50-75%. Additionally, the APIs in IGC-AD1 lowered GSK3 enzyme expression by roughly 35%, which is crucial in reducing tangles.

Moreover, the data indicates substantial improvements in spatial memory from studies utilizing an Alzheimer's mouse model. Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests showed that mice treated with IGC-AD1 had a 50% faster reduction in escape latency times compared to untreated Alzheimer's model mice. This suggests that the combination of APIs in IGC-AD1 has the potential to enhance cognitive function and memory performance.

Tau tangles consist of twisted fibers within neurons—brain cells responsible for thinking and memory. In Alzheimer's disease, these tangles lead to neuron death, causing memory loss and cognitive impairment. Together with amyloid plaques, tau tangles are key markers of Alzheimer's, contributing to the disease's progression.

IGC Pharma CEO Ram Mukunda remarked, "The formulation not only addresses amyloid plaques but also appears to effectively target tau pathology and improve cognitive function. This positions IGC-AD1 uniquely in the Alzheimer's treatment landscape, potentially serving both as a disease-modifying drug and a therapy for symptoms like agitation in Alzheimer's."

Mukunda also noted that the company aims to position IGC-AD1 for two major indications: treating agitation in Alzheimer's and serving as a disease-modifying anti-amyloid/anti-tangles treatment. These findings potentially open a significant market opportunity for IGC Pharma, driving value for patients and shareholders alike.

IGC-AD1 is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial, which is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IGC-AD1 in treating agitation in dementia due to Alzheimer's. To date, over 1,000 oral doses have been administered without any dose-limiting adverse events, underscoring the safety profile of IGC-AD1. As the company advances IGC-AD1 into further clinical trials, the potential to alleviate symptoms like agitation while also modifying the progression of Alzheimer's disease could significantly enhance its market value.

IGC Pharma is an AI-powered, clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Their portfolio includes the TGR family, notably TGR-63, targeting amyloid plaques—a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. They are also advancing the IGC-C and IGC-M platforms through preclinical studies, focusing on metabolic disorders, tau proteins, early plaque formation, and other disease hallmarks. Their lead therapeutic candidate, IGC-AD1, is a cannabinoid-based treatment currently in Phase 2 trials for agitation in dementia associated with Alzheimer's. Interim data suggests that IGC-AD1 may offer faster-acting and more effective relief compared to traditional medications.

In summary, IGC Pharma is dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical treatments to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's and related conditions, leveraging AI and innovative therapeutic candidates like IGC-AD1.