HOBART: A potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease developed and patented by University of Tasmania researchers has been licensed by a West Australian biotechnology company.
Emtin peptides, engineered from a natural protein known to play a critical role in the regeneration of neural cells in the human brain, can offer protection from some of the toxic processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The exclusive licensing of the technology to Alzhyme Pty Ltd represents the transfer of technology that has been 10 years in the making, led principally by Professor Adrian West from the university’s School of Medicine.
“This and related work demonstrates that emtins have significant potential to reduce the neurochemical processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease and to promote regenerative growth of damaged neurons,” Prof West said.
“The hope is that emtins form the basis of a new class of therapeutic compounds that are able to promote recovery from a range of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s.”
UTAS director of business development and technology transfer, Darren Cundy, said the licence was the next step in the development of emtins and would provide access to expertise and support for a comprehensive trial.