Neurologix, Inc., a biotechnology company engaged in the development of innovative gene therapies for the brain and central nervous system, announced today the receipt of a grant from the Epilepsy Research Foundation (ERF), a unique joint venture of three non-profit epilepsy organizations -- the Epilepsy Therapy Project (ETP), Epilepsy Foundation (EF), and Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES) -- to identify and accelerate the development of promising epilepsy research. The grant will help fund a Phase I human clinical study of Neurologix's proprietary gene transfer approach to the treatment of epilepsy. The Company expects to initiate this study by early 2008, subject to final authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration.
"We are very pleased to be chosen as a recipient of one of the ERF's research funding awards for promising approaches to the treatment of epilepsy," said John Mordock, President and Chief Executive Officer of Neurologix, Inc. "This award further recognizes the innovative nature of Neurologix's gene transfer approach to the treatment of epilepsy and the benefit it may offer for those affected with this serious brain disorder."
"More than 3 million people in the United States and 50 million people worldwide have some form of epilepsy, many of whom face persistent seizures despite the best available therapy," said Joyce Cramer, President of ETP. "We are very pleased to make this award to Neurologix as part of our effort to support the development of new therapies with the benefit to improve treatment and the quality of life for many with epilepsy."
Neurologix seeks to inhibit seizures caused by temporal lobe epilepsy and to reduce the invasiveness of current surgical treatment approaches by targeting a specific area within the brain, called the hippocampus, and delivering healthy genes where faulty or diminishing ones are causing the central nervous system disorder. In particular, Neurologix will seek to deliver the human Neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene, one of the brain's endogenous anticonvulsants, to neurons in the hippocampus where NPY will act on receptors to inhibit the brain over-activity that occurs during seizures. This approach builds on experience Neurologix has gained through its similar gene transfer approach to treating Parkinson's disease, where the company is preparing to begin Phase II human clinical trials.
Illustration: Neurologix.
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Neurologix Press Release (12/04/07)
Business Wire (12/04/07)
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