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Ester Neurosciences Ltd. today presented preclinical data showing the therapeutic potential of Monarsen (EN101) in ALS. The data was presented at the 2nd Annual Israeli ALS Research Association meeting. ALS, Lou Gehrig ’s disease, the most common motor neuron disease, results from progressive degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. There is no cure for ALS. Treatment is based on individual therapy and the continual adaptation of medications. Riluzole (Rilutek®) of Novartis is the only approved drug for ALS and may prevent progression and prolong life for a few months or so. Monarsen (EN101), a novel antisense oligonucleotide drug for neuromuscular impairments, has already been shown safe and effective in patients with myasthenia gravis. The drug based on the research of Prof. Mona Soreq of the Hebrew University, binds to a novel splice variant of acetylcholinersterase (AChE) mRNA, resulting in a marked decrease in AChE levels in many tissues including muscle and spinal cord neurons. Monarsen is currently completing its Phase II clinical studies. For ALS, Monarsen was tested in a dedicated transgenic mouse model (G93A mice) using a very low daily administration (200-500 ug/kg), covering both the disease prevention and the therapeutic protocols. The onset of the disease, the appearance of disease symptoms and disease related mortality were all significantly delayed or diminished when compared to the control group. “These results show that Monarsen delays the disease process in a mouse model of ALS and supports the hypothesis that acetylcholinesterase are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS –We plan to test the safety and efficacy of Monarsen in ALS in a double-blind study in patients with definite or probable ALS, said Dr. Lior Carmon, General Manger at Ester Neurosciences. The primary endpoint of the study will be the change of Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale, with survival, manual muscle strength, forced vital capacity and a single item quality of life scale as secondary endpoints.

About ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disease that weakens and eventually destroys motor neurons (components of the nervous system that connect the brain with the skeletal muscles). According to the ALS Survival Guide, 50% of ALS patients die within 18 months of diagnosis and 80% die within five years. In the U.S. an estimated 30,000 people are living with ALS and nearly 6,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, according to the ALS Association. There are more than 120,000 people living with ALS worldwide.

About Ester Neurosciences Ltd.& Monarsen™
Ester Neurosciences Ltd. is a phase II, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to the development of novel therapeutic products for the treatment of neurological disorders with a focus on niche neuromuscular indications.


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Ester Neurosciences Ltd. is a development stage biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic products for the treatment of neurological disorders such as myasthenia gravis, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and acute stress reactions. Ester's unique platform technology is based on the company's breakthrough discoveries relating to cholinergic neuromodulation and its involvement in the diseased state.


Address: Ester Neurosciences Ltd., Ackerstein Towers, Bldg. B. 10th Flr.
11 Hamanofim St., Herzlia Pituach 46725
POBox 2206, Herzlia Pituach 46120
Israel
Telephone: +972-9-960 1919
Fax: +972-9-954 2266
E-mail: info@esterneuro

MORE INFO FOR YOU, HOPE OF HELP TO YOU. SORRY WAS CONFUSED WITH BT 1, 2 ETC.