December 13, 2017
Cerveau Technologies, Inc. Signs Research Agreement with the University of Washington
Cerveau Technologies Inc. today announced an agreement with the University of Washington to support multiple projects over the next several years. These research projects are for studies of an early stage imaging agent (MK-6240) to be used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans for assessing the status and progression of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain. NFTs made up of aggregated tau protein are a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
As part of the agreement, Cerveau will contract with the University of Washington (UW) to manufacture and supply the [18F]MK-6240 needed for research initiatives in the greater Seattle area. The manufacturing will take place in the UW Department of Radiology's cyclotron and radiochemistry facility.
According to Dr. Thomas J. Grabowski, Jr., Professor of Neurology and Radiology at the University of Washington and Director of the UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), “The accumulation of tau protein pathology in the brain seems to be a reliable marker of the advance of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain, and can help identify vulnerable and, alternatively, disease-resistant parts of the brain. The availability of tau PET scanning using [18F]MK-6240 will help us investigate the different mechanisms that advance Alzheimer’s disease in the brain, as well as mechanisms of resilience, and will provide a revolutionary progression biomarker to guide therapeutic trials across all stages of the disease, especially the early stages when symptoms may be absent or ambiguous.”
Now, UW researchers will be able to pursue exciting new projects. Dr. Kimiko Domoto-Reilly, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Radiology at UW Medicine, will use MK-6240 PET scans to investigate molecular imaging biomarkers of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a neurodegenerative disease that affects language and behavior. Such imaging tools could allow researchers to better distinguish between different variants of FTD in living people.
“Cerveau welcomes this opportunity to work with the University of Washington researchers to understand the application of MK-6240 and how it may benefit patients with this devastating disease. The collaboration with the UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Department of Radiology (Adjunct) will provide access to our pharmaceutical partners in support of various therapy trials as well facilitate novel research at the University of Washington in the pursuit of evaluating potential preventive treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Rick Hiatt, President and CEO of Cerveau Technologies, Inc.
About the University of Washington
At the University of Washington, researchers in the UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Department of Radiology focus on a precision medicine approach to Alzheimer’s disease. Current projects aim to identify genetic risk factors, develop neuroimaging markers and biomarkers for preclinical detection, and discover novel therapeutics that can be tailored to address the underlying molecular causes of an individual’s disease. Basic science and clinical studies strive toward precision medicine strategies that improve the care, functioning, and quality of life of both patients and caregivers.
About Cerveau Technologies, Inc.
Cerveau Technologies, Inc. is a partnership between Enigma Biomedical Group, Inc. and Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group. Cerveau's vision is to globally develop diagnostics and technology that positively impact patients with neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.