IGC Pharma has announced the enrollment of patients at Baycrest Academy for Research and Education in Toronto, Canada, as part of its ongoing Phase 2 trial investigating IGC-AD1 for agitation in Alzheimer's dementia. This expansion follows approval from Health Canada and aims to broaden the trial's geographical scope and patient diversity.
Addressing Agitation in Alzheimer's
Agitation affects between 40% and 80% of Alzheimer's patients, significantly contributing to long-term hospitalization, increased mortality, and higher medication use. IGC-AD1, a partial CB1 receptor agonist with anti-neuroinflammatory properties, acts as an inflammasome inhibitor, targeting key pathways involved in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Trial Design and Patient Enrollment
The Phase 2 trial will enroll 164 patients, with half receiving IGC-AD1 and the other half receiving a placebo. IGC Pharma currently has 12 U.S. trial sites under contract and plans to add more in Canada to enhance population diversity. Dr. Howard Chertkow, Chair of Cognitive Neurology and Innovation at Baycrest, emphasized the importance of this study in addressing the challenging behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Baycrest's Role and Expertise
Baycrest is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation, and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. Their involvement adds credibility to the study, leveraging their renowned expertise in the field.
Management Commentary
Ram Mukunda, CEO of IGC Pharma, stated, "Having obtained permission to conduct trials from Health Canada, we are excited to expand our Phase 2 trial to a prestigious site such as Baycrest under the direction of Dr. Chertkow, a distinguished cognitive neurologist and exceptionally prolific researcher of Alzheimer's dementia. Their renowned expertise in brain health and aging are invaluable for advancing our clinical trial."
