STOCK TITAN

IGC Pharma Announces TGR-63 Reduces Agitation in Alzheimer's Mouse Model

Rhea-AI Impact
(Moderate)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
IGC Pharma, Inc. announced positive results of preclinical studies for TGR-63, a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The company aims to target a Phase 1 trial in 2024. TGR-63 showed positive impacts on plaque burden and anxiety reduction in transgenic Alzheimer's mouse models. The use of AI/ML tools is planned to accelerate the journey of TGR-63 from preclinical to patient care. CEO Ram Mukunda expressed enthusiasm and anticipation for clinical milestone updates throughout 2024 from the company's strengthened AD pipeline.
Positive
  • None.
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The disclosure of TGR-63's positive preclinical results in reducing plaque burden and anxiety in Alzheimer's disease models marks a significant milestone in the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The ability of TGR-63 to disrupt the structure of amyloid beta peptides, particularly the toxic Aβ42 aggregation, is noteworthy as amyloid plaques are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's. This suggests potential for TGR-63 to address a critical unmet need in the treatment landscape.

Moreover, the utilization of AI/ML tools in the study of TGR-63's toxicology and protein interactions could streamline the drug development process, potentially reducing time and costs associated with traditional methods. This innovative approach aligns with current trends in pharmaceutical research where AI/ML integration is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, it is important to note that the transition from preclinical to clinical stages often presents challenges and the efficacy in humans remains to be validated.

IGC Pharma's announcement may have positive implications for its financial outlook and investor sentiment. The progression of TGR-63 and IGC-AD1 through the pipeline, particularly with a Phase 1 trial targeted for 2024, can be a catalyst for stock valuation. Investors often respond favorably to positive preclinical results, especially for diseases with high unmet medical needs like Alzheimer's. However, the inherent risks of drug development, including potential regulatory hurdles and the uncertainty of clinical trial outcomes, should be considered when assessing the long-term financial impact.

It is also critical for investors to monitor the company's burn rate and capital-raising activities, as progressing through clinical trials is a capital-intensive endeavor. The patent-pending status of TGR-63 may provide competitive advantage and intellectual property protection, which is essential for potential partnerships or licensing deals that can provide additional revenue streams.

The biotechnology sector is keenly focused on innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease due to the growing prevalence and the absence of curative therapies. IGC Pharma's TGR-63, if successful, could capture a significant share of this market. The detailed behavioral assessments, such as the Open-Field test and Center Zone Exploration analysis, provide quantifiable data supporting TGR-63's potential efficacy, which is critical for stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

The strategic emphasis on AI/ML for drug development is aligned with industry trends and may offer IGC Pharma a competitive edge. However, given the historically high failure rates of Alzheimer's drug candidates, it is essential to approach these results with cautious optimism. The long-term impact on the biotech market will depend on the success of future clinical trials and the ability to demonstrate safety and efficacy in humans.

- The Company is targeting a Phase 1 trial in 2024 -

POTOMAC, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IGC Pharma, Inc. ("IGC Pharma," "IGC," or the "Company") (NYSE American: IGC) today announced additional positive results of preclinical studies investigating the Company's newly announced therapeutic candidate, TGR-63, a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Previously disclosed results demonstrate that TGR-63 may successfully alleviate plaque burden in Alzheimer's cell lines and animal models. Plaques are a key hallmark and therapeutic target of Alzheimer's disease.

"While we continue to progress our Phase 2b trial of IGC-AD1 as a treatment for agitation in dementia due to Alzheimer's, we are excited by the preclinical results of TGR-63, in particular the profound impact of the drug on plaques and on reducing anxiety in a transgenic Alzheimer's mouse model. In line with IGC Pharma's artificial intelligence and machine learning ("AI/ML") initiatives, we plan to leverage cutting-edge AI/ML tools for studying TGR-63's toxicology and protein interactions. By harnessing the power of AI/ML, we expect to accelerate the journey of TGR-63 from preclinical to patient care. We continue progressing IGC-AD1 and TGR-63 enthusiastically and anticipate clinical milestone updates throughout 2024 from our strengthened AD pipeline," said CEO Ram Mukunda.

TGR-63 is a patent pending molecule designed to disrupt the structure of the amyloid beta ("Aβ") peptide, one of the key hallmarks of Alzheimer's. TGR-63 targets plaques by addressing the misfolding and aggregation of amyloid-β peptides, specifically the toxic Aβ42 aggregation species associated with neuronal toxicity and cognitive decline. Preclinical investigations also indicate a recovery of behavioral functions in an animal model of Alzheimer's, suggesting that TGR-63 could possibly be used as a treatment for anxiety in human Alzheimer's.

The preclinical trial was conducted on APP/PS1 (transgenic) mice that are genetically modified to carry mutations of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) gene that lead to the production of a specific form of Aβ peptide, a key component of amyloid plaque in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's.

During the investigation, two groups of APP/PS1 mice undertook an Open-Field ("OF") test, a behavioral assessment designed to measure anxiety-like behavior, stress and coping responses, and emotional state, among others, in rodent models.

The mice in the APP/PS1 group that received TGR-63 treatment showed significant improvements in their emotional well-being and anxiety levels compared to the group that didn't receive treatment. A series of tests were used to measure these improvements. First, in the Open-Field (OF) test, the treated mice displayed a 43% reduction in their overall movement within the test area, which was highly statistically significant (p<.0001). They also showed a 59% reduction in movement within the central zone of the test area (p<.01). Additionally, in a more specialized analysis called the Center Zone Exploration (CZE) Analysis, the TGR-63 treated group exhibited a 55% improvement compared to the untreated group (p<.05). The results from these multiple tests indicate that TGR-63 treatment helped normalize emotional and behavioral responses in our Alzheimer's mouse model, reinforcing its potential as a promising treatment.

About IGC Pharma Inc. (dba IGC):

IGC Pharma is pursuing innovative solutions to fight Alzheimer's disease and related challenges. IGC Pharma's portfolio comprises five assets, all with a singular mission - to transform the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment. IGC-AD1 and LMP target neuroinflammation, Aβ plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. IGC-AD1 is currently in a Phase 2b clinical trial for agitation in dementia due to Alzheimer's (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05543681). TGR-63 targets Aβ plaque to disrupt the progression of Alzheimer's disease. IGC-M3 targets the inhibition of Aβ plaque aggregation with the potential to create a profound impact on early-stage Alzheimer's. IGC-1C targets tau and neurofibrillary tangles in a forward-thinking approach to Alzheimer's therapy. In parallel, IGC Pharma is at the forefront of Generative AI development, with projects including clinical trials, early detection of Alzheimer's, and drug interactions with cannabinoids.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on IGC Pharma's expectations and are subject to several risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond IGC Pharma's control. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, the Company's failure or inability to commercialize one or more of the Company's products or technologies, including the products or formulations described in this release, or failure to obtain regulatory approval for the products or formulations, where required, or government regulations affecting AI or the AI algorithms not working as intended or producing accurate predictions; general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected; the FDA's general position regarding cannabis- and hemp-based products; and other factors, many of which are discussed in IGC Pharma's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings. IGC Pharma incorporates by reference the human trial disclosures and Risk Factors identified in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on July 7, 2023, as if fully incorporated and restated herein. Considering these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this release will occur.

Investors

IMS Investor Relations

Walter Frank

igc@imsinvestorrelations.com

(203) 972-9200



Media

JVPRNY

Janet Vasquez

jvasquez@jvprny.com

(212) 645-5498

Source: IGC Pharma, Inc.

FAQ

What is the latest therapeutic candidate announced by IGC Pharma, Inc. related to Alzheimer's disease?

IGC Pharma, Inc. has announced TGR-63 as its latest therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer's disease.

What are the potential benefits of TGR-63 in treating Alzheimer's disease?

TGR-63 has shown positive impacts on plaque burden and anxiety reduction in transgenic Alzheimer's mouse models, indicating potential benefits as a treatment for the disease.

What is the plan for TGR-63's journey from preclinical to patient care?

IGC Pharma, Inc. plans to leverage cutting-edge AI/ML tools to accelerate the journey of TGR-63 from preclinical to patient care.

What did CEO Ram Mukunda express about the company's AD pipeline?

CEO Ram Mukunda expressed enthusiasm and anticipation for clinical milestone updates throughout 2024 from the company's strengthened AD pipeline.

IGC Pharma, Inc.

NYSE:IGC

IGC Rankings

IGC Latest News

IGC Stock Data

27.33M
71.46M
7.92%
22%
1.62%
Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Link
United States of America
POTOMAC