BDNF

A small-cap biotech developing gene therapies is spinning out its Parkinson’s disease program into a new company in partnership with a secretive AI startup co-founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. MeiraGTx said Thursday it will get $200 million upfront in a deal with Hologen AI, a UK-based company still in stealth. MeiraGTx’s AAV-GAD program will be housed in a newco called Hologen Neuro AI, and Hologen has committed to additional funding of up to $230 million to push AAV-GAD through Phase 3 studies, which are expected to begin in mid-2025. MeiraGTx will own a 30% stake in the new venture while still being responsible for all clinical development and manufacturing activities. Hologen will get a minority stake in MeiraGTx’s manufacturing subsidiary. And Hologen Neuro AI will also work on other programs involving the central nervous system, including one for genetic obesity called AAV-BDNF. MeiraGTx’s stock $MGTX was up about 28% on Thursday morning. In an interview, MeiraGTx CEO Alexandria Forbes said that the deal structure allows the biotech to pursue licensing deals or acquisitions for AAV-GAD with other pharma companies. “The financials are very good, at least as good as any pharma partnership,” Forbes said. “It doesn’t mean that we will never do that, but you can appreciate the value of a later-stage Parkinson’s program that has positive data as an acquisition target in an entity of its own.” There is little information available about Hologen AI. Its website lists nothing of its activities — it only details its co-founders. A request for comment wasn’t immediately returned. A few days ago, Schmidt reportedly took his first CEO position since leaving Google after acquiring a controlling stake in rocket startup Relativity Space. According to MeiraGTx, Hologen is working on generative AI models designed to increase the success of drug development, particularly in Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies. Hologen was spun out from University College London and King’s College London. Documents filed with UK regulatory agencies also link Hologen to a firm called SW7 Asset Management, though a March 5 filing says it no longer has “significant control.” Hologen CEO Roland Tegeder is listed as an officer of SW7. Beyond Schmidt and Tegeder, other notable co-founders include Richard Sharp, the former banking official who also served as BBC chair and resigned after a report found he breached UK public appointment rules ; and Parashkev Nachev, a professor of neurology at UCL and Hologen’s chief scientific officer. MeiraGTx last reported data for AAV-GAD in October from what it called a “bridging study.” In 14 patients, the high dose showed a statistically significant improvement on a Parkinson’s disease measurement score known as MDS-UPDRS Part 3 after 26 weeks. Additionally, five patients in the high-dose group improved their “off” state scores by an average of 18 points from baseline, good for a p-value of 0.03.

Mindrevive™, composed of extracts of sage and Japanese pagoda tree, found to help enhance mental resilience in older adults MADRID, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study illustrates the research journey behind the creation of Monteloeder's latest nootropic formulation Mindrevive™. The study spans the process from laboratory analysis of various botanical candidates to assess and compare their cognitive potential, to a clinical trial of the final selected composition. Sage extract (Salvia officinalis) together with Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica) emerged as the combination with the highest cognitive support potential demonstrating significant improvements in memory, learning and execution in a clinical trial. Continue Reading Two-Phase Study Leads to Monteloeder’s Newest Nootropic for Cognitive Performance The results of this two-in-one study led nutraceutical leader Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA to create its proprietary "smart supplement" Mindrevive™, designed to help preserve cognitive vitality specifically in adults aged 50 and older who are going through typical age-related changes. Serving the healthy ageing category, the composition targets memory, mental clarity and focus. Specifically, the compounds in Mindrevive™ were found to help: Reduce oxidative stress Increase neuronal survival and regeneration Activate antioxidant defenses Enhance memory and learning Support growth factor release (NGF, BDNF, VEGF) Maintain cognitive health Study Details The two-phase study ushered in a research-driven approach to formulation. Led by Pau Navarro, PhD, published December 2024 in Applied Sciences first involved in vitro analysis of nine unique botanical compounds that were assessed for their nootropic properties. These included water-ethanol extracts of bilberry, blueberry, bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), sage, saffron, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), ginkgo biloba, panax ginseng roots, and gotu kola, and, Japanese pagoda tree. These herb extracts were tested in human neural stem cell cultures exposed to oxidative stress. The researchers analyzed each botanical's ability to suppress harmful reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), to promote cell survival, and to stimulate neural cell growth factors. Results of this first phase demonstrated that sage standardized in rosmarinic acid exhibited the most noticeable effects on reducing oxidative stress and cell death, while stimulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, a protein involved in in improving brain cell growth and vital for long-term memory and cognitive function). Nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were also increased, a protein associated with neuronal function and maintenance. Additionally, the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly enhanced. VEGF plays a role in supporting healthy circulation, which contributes to oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells. When joined with sophora extract enriched to 95% rutin, the BDNF effect was significantly augmented. Rutin is recognized as a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce age-related neuronal degeneration. Moreover AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity was reduced by more than 60%. High AChE activity is known to impair nerve signaling through the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning, memory, and muscle function. New light shed on Sage's cognitive wellness properties "The nine botanicals selected for analysis are widely recognized for their antioxidant properties and role in supporting cognitive function, with extensive documentation in scientific research," informs Jonathan Jones, Chief Scientific Officer, at Monteloeder. "Some of these ingredients have been evaluated in clinical studies exploring cognitive health. Sage, in particular, has often been overlooked in discussions about cognitive support, yet it stood out in our screening trials. In fact, sage was the only extract to increase the expression of all analyzed factors associated with neuronal function and antioxidant defenses. When combined with rutin, we observed significant enhancements in the production of BDNF, a key molecule involved in brain signaling and cognitive processes. Specifically, it is the major growth factor implicated in memory processes and learning. Research suggests that maintaining optimal BDNF levels is important for overall brain health." Phase Two A subsequent randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study tested the effects of the chosen composition Mindrevive™ on 121 healthy volunteers aged 50–65 years and suffering from mild cognitive impairment. Assigned to three groups, the participants were given 250mg Mindrevive™, 400mg Mindrevive™, or a placebo every morning after breakfast over a period of 3 months. At six weeks and again at 12 weeks, the participants were assessed through two questionnaires: the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), a validated to assess cognitive function, and the ADAS-Cog (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale), used to evaluate key cognitive parameters such as memory, language, attention, and problem-solving. From Week 6, the 250mg Mindrevive™ dose was shown to contribute to improving short-term memory recall, while the 400mg contributed to improving both short-term memory recall and abstract reasoning after 12 weeks of intake and consistently outperformed the placebo group. The ADAS-Cog test demonstrated significant cognitive improvements with both of the Mindrevive™ doses compared to placebo after 12 weeks. Intragroup analysis showed more pronounced and rapid enhancements with the higher dose. Notably, the supplementation positively impacted language skills at Week 12 and motor skills as soon as Week 6. Individual item analysis revealed improvements in word recall, word recognition, and command performance across both doses. Cognitive health is a growing concern among adults 65 and older, with conditions affecting memory and mental performance ranking among the Top 10 chronic issues, according to the National Council on Aging., recent reports by Future Markets Insights, Inc. forecast cognitive health supplement sales to "experience significant growth," reaching nearly USD17 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 13.3%. Within this, the market research group predicts the nootropic supplement market to double from USD2.2 billion to USD4.2 billion in that time, at a CAGR of 9.0%. "Cognitive function naturally changes with age" explains Mariana Ortega, Science Marketing Manager of SUANNUTRA. "Mindrevive™ is formulated with clinically studied ingredients to help maintain cognitive performance and support brain health. This is especially relevant for older adults who are proactively looking for natural solutions to preserve mental sharpness and overall well-being." About Monteloeder Monteloeder contributes cutting-edge innovation and scientific rigor to the development of botanical health ingredients, featuring proprietary patented products supported by clinical studies. The company's portfolio has garnered international accolades in wellness, women health, and beauty from within. Monteloeder is a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA, which boasts a rich heritage of more than 125 years of combined experience in the European, US, and Asian nutraceutical sector. Press Contact NutriPR Liat Simha Tel: +972-9-9742893 E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @NutriPR Website: Company contact Monteloeder, S.L., a subsidiary of SuanNutra Mariana Ortega Science Marketing Manager E-mail: [email protected] Website: Photo: SOURCE Monteloeder, S.L. 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TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Revive Therapeutics Ltd. (“Revive” or the “Company”) (OTCQB: RVVTF) (CSE: RVV) (FRANKFURT:31R), a specialty life sciences company focused on the research and development of therapeutics for infectious diseases, medical countermeasures and rare disorders, today announced the publication of a scientific article demonstrating the potential of psilocybin as a novel therapeutic approach in stroke. The publication, entitled, “Neuroprotective effects of psilocybin in a rat model of stroke,” is published in BMC Neuroscience and is available here. The research and intellectual property were part of the acquisition of assets from PharmaTher Holdings Ltd (CSE: PHRM) (OTCQB: PHRRF) in February 2021. The research study supported the Company’s PCT application (PCT/CA2021/050360), titled, “Use of Psilocybin in the Treatment of Neurological Brain Injury and Migraines.” The objective of the research study was to determine the protective effect of psilocybin in cellular and animal models of stroke. In the study, psilocybin reduced brain infarction and improved locomotor behavior in stroke rats; the protective mechanisms involve regulating BDNF expression. Michael Frank, CEO of Revive, commented: “We have a diverse psilocybin-based pharmaceutical program that has been quietly moving forward with the aim of treating neurological, mental health and substance abuse disorders. The publication of the research study demonstrating psilocybin’s therapeutic potential in the treatment of stroke, which is often associated with subsequent depression, validates our strategic initiative to focus on evaluating psilocybin in clinical studies and novel delivery methods, such as our in-development psilocybin oral thin-film and microneedle patch.” About Revive Therapeutics Ltd. Revive Therapeutics is a life sciences company focused on the research and development of therapeutics and diagnostics for infectious diseases, medical countermeasures, and rare disorders. Revive prioritizes its drug development efforts to take advantage of several regulatory incentives awarded by the FDA, such as Emergency Use Authorization, Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and Breakthrough Therapy designations. Currently, the Company is exploring the use of Bucillamine for the potential treatment of nerve agent exposure and long COVID. Revive is also advancing the development of Psilocybin-based therapeutics through various programs. For more information, visit www.ReviveThera.com. For more information, please contact: Michael FrankChief Executive OfficerRevive Therapeutics Ltd.Tel: 1 888 901 0036Email: mfrank@revivethera.comWebsite: www.revivethera.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement This press release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “may”, “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Revive’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward looking information in this press release includes information with respect to the Company’s cannabinoids, psychedelics and infectious diseases programs. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by Revive at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Revive is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Reference is made to the risk factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended June 30, 2024 ("MD&A"), dated October 25, 2024, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.