Agent Found to Increase Lifespan and Neurologic Performance

Istvan Boldogh, lead investigator and professor at the department of microbiology and immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB; Galveston, TX, USA) said, "In this study, we investigated the effects of oral administration of Colostrinin on the lifespan and various behavior characteristics in mice predisposed to premature ageing. Our results showed that Colostrinin indeed prolongs lifespan and improved age-associated locomotion, motor coordination, and learning/memory capacities. Moreover, the increase in life-span and improved neurological performance correlates well with reduced levels of oxidative stress markers measured in various organs including the brain and liver. These results support the view that Colostrinin has potential utility in the management of age-related neurodegenerative diseases and improvement in the quality of life of elderly individuals.”

Colostrinin was developed by ReGen Therapeutics Plc (Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). The in-vivo findings of the study were consistent with in-vitro results that the researchers have earlier presented and will soon be published in the journal Neuropeptide.

Commenting on the study, Percy Lomax, executive chairman, ReGen, said, "In developing our nutraceutical product, Colostrinin, we are looking to help improve peoples' quality of life. This study shows that with respect to ageing and neurological functions we may be able to do that. Together with our previously published studies on Colostrinin, in particular our clinical study in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, we have some positive science with which to support the anticipated launch of Colostrinin as a nutraceutical later this year, initially through our North American licensee, Metagenics, Inc.”

ReGen's principal activity is the development of a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease and also the development of nutraceutical uses for Colostrinin. In an earlier 30-week clinical study, reported in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2004, it was shown that: more than 40% of patients on Colostrinin were stabilized or improved after 15 weeks of therapy, based on an analysis of overall response; 33% of patients continued to show stabilization or improvement after 30 weeks of treatment, and levels of benefit were slightly higher at the 15-week stage of the trial; efficacy was demonstrated in both mild and moderate symptom groups, with greatest effects seen in earlier stages of the disease; and no drug-related adverse events or safety concerns were observed during the trial.

Continuous low levels of oxidative damage (induced by oxidative stress) to cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and other disorders of the central nervous system. The sources of oxidative stress manifested by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are mitochondria and are, themselves, targets of ROS attack. Mitochondria are key organelles involved in energy production and the generation of secondary messenger molecules, which, in turn, regulate cells, and also control the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death).

ReGen has a sponsored research agreement with the UTMB. In July 2006, ReGen announced that it had entered into an exclusive license agreement with Metagenics, Inc. (San Clemente, CA, USA) for the commercialization of Colostrinin as a human nutraceutical in North America.


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