Pfizer to invest in compound research for Alzheimer’s

Pfizer has struck a deal with TransTech Pharma to develop new compounds that could have uses in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

The companies hope to develop new small and large molecular compounds that target the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (Rage), which has ligands associated with Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and renal diseases, tumours and inflammation.

Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, will be given exclusive commercialisation rights for TransTech’s compounds in return for upfront and milestone payments amounting to $155 million (82.5 million pounds), as well as potentially “significant” further payments if drug targets make it through to regulatory approval and marketing.

One of the drugs under consideration, TTP488, is currently undergoing phase II trials for the treatment of diabetic necropathy, after having completed phase II trials for the drug’s use in Alzheimer’s patients.

Martin Mackay, senior vice president of worldwide research and technology at Pfizer, stated: “This agreement is an important step in Pfizer’s commitment to neurosciences research and the development of new medicines for patients whose lives are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders.”

Adnan MM Mjalli, TransTech’s founder, president and chief executive officer, said he believed the collaboration to be the “largest of its kind” in recent years, adding that the company was “extremely pleased and excited” to be working Pfizer because of its expertise.

Pfizer markets Aricept, the world’s most-prescribed Alzheimer’s disease treatment. The cholinesterase drug has been received by more than 3.8 million people as a once-a-day therapy for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.