BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE American:IGC), today announced that it has launched two new websites to detail the Company’s cannabinoid pipeline for the indications of pain, seizures, eating disorders and Alzheimer’s. Investors are encouraged to visit www.igcpharma.com and www.Hyalolex.com for the latest information on IGC’s initiatives and development timeline.
It is believed that in Alzheimer’s disease two types of legions in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus: 1) senile plaque composed of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ plaque), and 2) neurofibrillary tangles, composed of highly phosphorylated Tau protein, are implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), on the surface of neurons, is normally cleaved by enzymes to free up Aβ peptide composed of 36-43 amino acids that is then cleared by the body. In patients with Alzheimer’s, an imbalance causes Aβ to be unregulated, resulting in the abnormal buildup into insoluble fibroles depositing as senile plaques. Aβ monomers aggregate to form oligomers and then into fibril Aβ. It is believed that extracellular misfolded oligomers are toxic to nerve cells. IGC’s Alzheimer’s drug candidate, IGC-AD1 (Hyalolex), works through a molecular pathway that allows low doses of IGC-AD1 to: 1) modulate Aβ protein production, 2) inhibit Aβ protein aggregation 3) reduce Tau phosphorylation, 4) enhance mitochondria function, and 5) help redirect the immune system, with none of the side effects commonly associated with cannabis. Based on these and other studies we expect to bring IGC-AD1 to market in early 2018, with the hope of bringing much needed relief to Alzheimer’s patients.
“Our initial focus on the canna-pharmaceutical front is on Alzheimer’s, America’s most expensive disease. In 2017, the direct cost of treatment for Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to cost the U.S. approximately $259 billion. Roughly 5.3 million individuals in the U.S. alone suffer from the disease, and the number is expected to double over the next 20 years. As such, we believe the market for Alzheimer’s disease represents tremendous potential for our cannabis-extract-based compounds. Our longer-term goal, based on adequate funding, is to move our Alzheimer’s formulation through FDA registered pre-clinical and clinical trials. Independent of the FDA process, our near-term goal is to commercialize our liquid formulation for Alzheimer’s as a Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) sold through licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in the U.S., and internationally in Canada and Germany,” stated Ram Mukunda, CEO of IGC.
We have six provisional patent filings in the phytocannabinoid-based combination therapy space for the indications of pain, medical refractory epilepsy, and cachexia. In addition, in May 2017, we acquired exclusive rights to a patent filed by the University of South Florida Research Foundation entitled “THC as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Alzheimer’s Disease.” The table below provides a status of the patent filings:
| Indication | Provisional Filing | PCT Filing | Subsequent Activity | |||
| Pain (IGC-501) | 9/16/14 | 9/16/15 | US National Case Filed – 6/15/16 | |||
| Seizures (IGC-502) | 6/15/15 | 6/14/16 | US National Case Filed – 6/15/16 | |||
| Seizures (IGC-503) | 4/1/15 | 4/1/16 | PCT Application Published- 10/6/16 | |||
| Eating Disorders (IGC-504) | 8/12/15 | 8/11/16 | US and National Filing Anticipated 2/12/18 | |||
| Seizures (IGC-505) | 6/15/16 | 6/15/16 | US National Filing Anticipated 12/15/18 | |||
| Eating Disorders (IGC-506) | 2/28/17 | Anticipated- 2/28/18 | US and National Filing Anticipated 8/28/19 | |||
| Alzheimer’s (IGC-AD1) | 7/30/2015 | Anticipated -2018 | US and National Filing Anticipated in 2018 |
About IGC:
IGC is engaged in the development of cannabis based combination therapies to treat Alzheimer’s, pain, nausea, eating disorders, several end points of Parkinson’s, and epilepsy in dogs and cats. IGC has assembled a portfolio of patent filings and four lead product candidates addressing these conditions. The company is based in Maryland, USA.
For more information please visit www.igcinc.us
Follow us on Twitter @IGCIR and Facebook.com/IGCIR/
Forward-looking Statements:
Please see forward-looking statements and risk factors as discussed in detail in IGC's Form 10K for fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, and in other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Claudia Grimaldi
301-983-0998