MODELING AD AND DEVELOPING DRUG SCREENS
Brain tissue studies have demonstrated that the affected neurons in AD are more prone to oxidative stress as indicated by increased level of oxidative stress markers and resultant damage. The Company has developed in vitro neuronal models that allow our team to utilize oxidative stress markers to screen compounds specifically aimed at protecting vulnerable neurons in patients with AD from damage while restoring normal function.

PAN-811 AND RELATED COMPOUNDS
As in our acute neuronal injury program, the clear role of oxidative stress in disease etiology suggests the potential benefit of neuroprotectant compounds in treatment. Thus, we are also investigating the potential utility of PAN-811 and similar compounds in the treatment of AD. We have demonstrated that PAN-811 is capable of reducing oxidative stress and damage in olfactory neurons derived from both AD patients as well as those of age-matched normal controls. Furthermore, consistent with its function in ischemic injury, PAN-811 alleviates the build-up of the free radicals that cause oxidative damage in neurons treated with H₂O₂.

The Company is continuing to develop PAN-811 and several analogs thereof for the treatment of AD.