NP03
A new pharmaceutical product based upon lithium and Aonys, NP03 has been shown to have a neuroprotector role which could have uses in a number of neurodegerative diseases.
Lithium
Recent studies have shown that besides use in bipolar disorders, lithium may have a role in neuroprotection through intervention in a number of biochemical pathways involved in neurone homeostasis.  This research opens up new avenues for the use of lithium in a number of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
NP03
Aonys enhances cellular delivery of metal ions and is able to deliver efficiently across the blood-brain barrier allowing the combination of Aonys and lithium to be developed for a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies with a relevant animal model have shown that NP03 provides significant prolongation of motor control over non treated animals.
Status
NP03 has shown excellent activity in an important animal model for Huntington’s disease. Fast track approval for phase I/II clinical trials is sought which will allow first indications of efficacy in Huntington’s disease by the middle of 2010. Other non-orphan drug indications such as multiple sclerosis will also be explored.
