Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research (CNCR) and DegenRx have been awarded a grant from the Top Sector Life Sciences & Health (Health~Holland) for their joint research program on antibody-based gene therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through an\nactive involvement of Alzheimer Nederland, this Public-Private Partnership\n(PPP) between CNCR and DegenRx was given the opportunity to apply for a PPP\nAllowance grant, which aims at supporting collaborative programs of academia\nand companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alzheimer\u2019s\ndisease is affecting about two-thirds of the 50 million people that suffer from\ndementia worldwide and this number is rapidly increasing. Despite many efforts,\nthere is still no drug available today that stops or slows down disease\nprogression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The grant\nwill be used to evaluate the application of gene therapy to have the\ntherapeutic antibody made in the brain. Such approach would avoid the need to\npass the blood-brain barrier, which is typically a significant hurdle for\ndrugs, in particular for the larger ones such as antibodies. Gene therapy\noffers novel opportunities for antibody-based treatments and has the advantage\nthat it needs to be given only once for a treatment that lasts very long, if\nnot life-long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor\ndr Guus Smit, group leader and department head at CNCR, commented: \u201cWe look\nforward to actively contribute to gene therapy for Alzheimer\u2019s. We have all\nexpertise to assess the efficacy of treatment in pre-clinical models. I am\nhappy with the DegenRx team committed to make this project into a success\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guus Scheefhals, CEO of DegenRx, said:\u201cWe are very honored to participate in this program and to work together with the talented and experienced team of professor Guus Smit. This grant underscores the quality of their research and the importance of this work in view of a potential future treatment for AD.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n