Compounds Show Potential to Repair Central Nervous System Cells After Injury

Two proprietary compounds of Allon Therapeutics Inc. (TSX-V: "NPC"), The Neuro Protection Company(TM), have the potential to become new treatments that contribute to development and repair of central nervous system cells damaged by neurodegenerative disease or injury, according to results of a preclinical study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Molecular Neuroscience.

The two compounds are AL-108, Allon's lead product candidate now being evaluated in human clinical trials as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, and AL-309, one of Allon's preclinical-stage product candidates.

The study published in the Journal of Molecular Neuroscience demonstrated that AL-108 and AL-309 promote the formation of synapses after central nervous system cells, called neurons, have been impacted by disease or injury. Synapse formation is critical to the brain being able to make new connections between damaged neurons.

The study results also showed that outgrowth of neurites increased as the administered dosages of Al-108 and AL-309 were increased. Neurites are neuronal extensions that are important for the transmission of impulses.

Gordon McCauley, President and CEO of Allon, said the study supports earlier preclinical studies that indicate the potential of the company's proprietary compounds. In particular, McCauley said these results compliment the publication in the March issue of Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science which summarized a study showing the potential of Allon's compounds to treat diseases of the optic nerve and retina by promoting the survival and neurite outgrowth of retinal ganglion cells. Retinal ganglion cells are specialized neurons that comprise the optic nerve and transmit visual impulses to the brain.

"This study adds to our extensive body of pre-clinical research that confirms the potential of AL-108 and our other compounds to protect against and treat a number of neuro-degenerative diseases and conditions," McCauley said.

The study published in the Journal of Molecular Neuroscience was a collaboration between Dr. Illana Gozes, Chief Scientific Officer of Allon Therapeutics, and several researchers from Johnson & Johnson, the United States-based international health care company.