IPLEX Potential health benefits and research finds 2007 |
Insmed Inc.'s IPLEX(TM) (rhIGFI/rhIGFBP-3) will be available to physicians in Italy to treat patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) soon. IGF-1 is a neurotrophic factor essential for normal growth of the nervous system. In animals and cell culture systems IGF-1 protects motor neurons and promotes muscle and nerve regeneration. Through an agreement with Cephalon, which holds European patent rights to IGF-1 pertaining to the treatment of ALS, Insmed will be able to provide IPLEX to physicians in Italy. IPLEX (rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3) is a complex of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) and its predominant binding protein IGFBP-3 (rhIGFBP-3), It was approved by FDA in the summer of 2006 to treat children with short stature associated with severe primary IGF-I deficiency (Primary IGFD). Currently, the drug is being investigated for various other indications including severe insulin resistance, myotonic muscular dystrophy and HIV-Associated Adipose Redistribution Syndrome (HARS). Italian Ministry of Health Requests IPLEX(TM) for Treatment of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Press Release Wednesday January 10, 9:00 am ET |
Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of motor neurons. When the motor neurons die, patients may become totally paralyzed. There are an estimated 1000 new cases of ALS per year in Italy. |