To Develop Japan’s First Blood Biomarker-Based Diagnostic Workflow for Dementia Shimadzu, Eisai, Oita University, and Usuki City Medical Association Commence Joint Research JCN Newswire

To Develop Japan’s First Blood Biomarker-Based Diagnostic Workflow for Dementia Shimadzu, Eisai, Oita University, and Usuki City Medical Association Commence Joint Research

22 11 月, 2022
TOKYO, Nov 22, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Shimadzu Corporation (Shimadzu), Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai), Oita University, and Usuki City Medical Association hereby announce the commencement of a cohort study using Usuki City as a demonstration site. This joint study will attempt to develop Japan's first diagnostic workflow for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) that uses blood biomarkers. In accordance with "Guidelines for Proper Use of Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood Biomarkers in Dementia"(1), this study aims to demonstrate the utility of blood biomarkers and improve the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease within a coordinated system of medical care that encompasses primary care physicians and specialists who are members of dementia-related medical societies.In cases of Alzheimer's disease, which is said to account for more than 60% of dementia cases, amyloid beta (Abeta, a protein thought to cause AD) starts aggregating in the brain around 20 years before AD onset. Positron emission tomography (amyloid PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing are used to estimate the degree of Aβ accumulation in the brain, but only a limited number of facilities are capable of performing these investigations and the high cost of testing and physical stress involved due to the invasiveness of these investigations also pose a challenge. The increased use of blood biomarkers is expected to reduce the burden on patients.Study SchemaUsuki City Medical Association will recruit applicants (50 years and older) who wish to participate in the study. Primary care physicians affiliated with Usuki City Medical Association will perform simple cognitive function tests on applicants and select around 200 people with suspected MCI or mild dementia. Specialists affiliated with Usuki City Medical Association Cosmos Hospital (Cosmos Hospital) will then take an in-depth medical history and perform more detailed cognitive function tests before making a final selection of 100 subjects with MCI or mild dementia who are suspected of having Alzheimer's disease. Shimadzu will be responsible for analyzing and evaluating blood biomarker data obtained using Shimadzu's Amyloid MS CL system for measuring amyloid peptides in blood (Amyloid MS CL)(2). Primary care physicians affiliated with Usuki City Medical Association and specialists affiliated with Cosmos Hospital will present and explain test results to participants, evaluate the psychological impact of these results, and provide ongoing medical care as needed. At the Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, detailed cognitive function tests will be performed, a self-assessed measurement of brain health will be performed using the "NouKNOW"(3) tool developed by Eisai, Aβ accumulation will be checked by amyloid PET, and the utility of blood biomarkers will be verified. Eisai will use its expertise in dementia research to propose ideas and assist with study planning and provide advice on methods of analyzing and reviewing test results and psychological impact. All four parties will combine findings from evaluating the clinical performance of blood biomarkers and the psychological effects of disclosing test results to ascertain the acceptability of blood biomarkers under actual clinical conditions.With this joint research, the four parties aim to establish a new diagnostic workflow for Alzheimer's disease that is based on blood biomarkers and includes primary care physicians. Through this work, the four parties are committed to building an ecosystem that improves the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and to developing social infrastructure that allows those concerned and their families to live in peace and security.(1) Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Grants for Scientific Research, Study Group, March 31, 2021. www.neurology-jp.org/guidelinem/pdf/dementia_biomarker.pdf(2) Amyloid MS CL is a product that measures amyloid peptides (the main component of amyloid plaques, which are a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease) in the blood and provides biomarker data related to amyloid beta levels. In June 2021, Amyloid MS CL was the first product to measure amyloid peptides with a mass spectrometric technique to be approved for use as a medical device in Japan.(3)""NouKNOW" (non-medical equipment) is a tool developed by Eisai for the self-assessment of brain health (brain performance). "NouKNOW" was developed based on an algorithm created by Cogstate Ltd. for which Eisai holds the exclusive rights for development and commercialization worldwide. "NouKNOW" uses common playing cards displayed on a PC or similar device to test brain response time, attention, visual learning, and memory. "NouKNOW" are registered trademarks of Eisai. Please visit the website for further details https://nouknow.jp/For more information, visit www.eisai.com/news/2022/pdf/enews202280pdf.pdf. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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Hua Medicine’s Innovative First-In-Class Glucokinase Activator (GKA) HuaTangNing Is Approved, New Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Paradigm to Begin in China

10 10 月, 2022
SHANGHAI, CHINA, Oct 10, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hua Medicine (the "Company", HKEx Stock Code: 2552.HK) today announces that the New Drug Application (NDA) of HuaTangNing (dorzagliatin tablets, HMS5552), a first-in-class glucokinase activator (GKA) developed by the Company has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China on October 8th for two indications, both to improve blood glucose control for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, as monotherapy for drug-naive T2D patients, or in combination with metformin in metformin tolerated T2D patients to control blood glucose level. For those patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Type 2 diabetes (i.e., diabetes kidney disease), no dose adjustment is required. At the same time, clinical trials have shown that HuaTangNing in combination with empagliflozin (SGLT-2 inhibitor) and sitagliptin (DPP-IV inhibitor) is expected to better improve blood glucose control and pancreatic islet functions in T2D patients than either empagliflozin or sitagliptin taken alone.HuaTangNing is the first approved glucokinase activator (GKA) worldwide. Accordingly, the commercialization of HuaTangNing represents the first time globally in almost ten years that a new mechanism of action to treat Type 2 diabetes is introduced, and the first time in history that a global first-in-class drug for Type 2 diabetes is introduced first in China. This milestone represents unprecedented progress in the application of innovative scientific concepts in the Chinese biopharmaceutical industry to meet the clinical needs of Chinese patients. HuaTangNing is the first innovative first-in-class drug developed using the operation model of "Integration of global pharmaceutical research and development resources, to achieve joint innovation," and whereby China has led pharmaceutical innovation into a new historical stage.With the mission of "For Patients, Global Innovation, Effective Medicines", Hua Medicine has independently developed HuaTangNing, a first-in-class drug based on the characteristics of Chinese diabetic patients. Since the beginning of its scientific development, the research and development project of HuaTangNing has been highly valued by the new drug R&D community and national drug regulators. The project was selected as a national key scientific and technological project during the "12th Five-Year Plan" and the "13th Five-Year Plan" periods. HuaTangNing is a drug with new concept, new mechanism, new efficacy, new structure and new technology. It is led by a Chinese R&D team and Chinese clinical researchers from pre-clinical to Phase I, II, and III clinical trials. Therefore, it is not only a major R&D breakthrough in translating innovative concepts into innovative products, but also a pioneering path for China in developing first-in-class drugs independently. The approval of HuaTangNing also represents the first approved GKA drug, after many large and small pharmaceutical companies globally have spent over 2 decades of R&D resources on the glucokinase activator class, thereby achieving a breakthrough from zero. Going forward, Hua Medicine will partner with Bayer, a leading global pharmaceutical company, to commercialize HuaTangNing in China, benefiting diabetic patients and their families.Globally, the incidence of diabetes has been on the rise. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of adult diabetes patients worldwide reached 537 million in 2021, which was an increase of 74 million or 16% from 2019. Global health spending due to diabetes and its complications stood at USD 966 billion in 2021. China is no exception. There were over 140 million diabetic patients in 2021, 51.7% of which (around 72.83 million) have not been diagnosed or treated. In addition, fluctuating blood glucose levels lead to a series of diabetic complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, kidney, eye diseases, and diabetic feet, etc., which greatly affect the survival and life quality of diabetic patients, and exert a heavy pressure on their families. Therefore, stabilizing the T2D patient's blood glucose level at a good TIR (Time in Range) is an important goal in diabetes treatment and management. According to the 14th Five-Year National Health Planning issued by the General Office of the State Council, improving the prevention and treatment capacity of diabetes and other major chronic diseases is a key health-care topic for the country. It is estimated that over 65% of T2D patients will be covered by the health management service of community-level medical institutions during the 14th Five Year Plan period. The NDA approval and HuaTangNing adheres closely to the national strategy of developing the pharmaceutical industry and improving citizens' health.A rapidly growing population of diabetic patients and a huge market for diabetes drugs clearly establish strong unmet medical needs. With the original concept of "repairing the sensor, restoring homeostasis, and treating the underlying cause of diabetes", Hua Medicine boldly aims at directly addressing the root cause of the failure of blood glucose sensors in T2D patients. Clinical studies have shown that HuaTangNing can restore the impaired glucokinase sensor function and improve the ability of T2D patients to regulate blood glucose autonomously, thus potentially control the progression and complications of Type 2 diabetes from its source.As a new class of T2D treatment drug, the R&D of HuaTangNing has received continuous attention from the academic community worldwide. In 2018, the results of its Phase II clinical trial were published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, a top international medical journal, which was the first time for the journal to publish the clinical research results of a T2D original innovative drug from China. In May 2022, Nature Medicine, a top international medical journal, simultaneously published two peer-reviewed papers on the results of our two Phase III clinical trials, describing the results of our monotherapy trial (the SEED study), and in combination with metformin trial (the DAWN study), respectively. It fully recognized HuaTangNing as a first-in-class diabetic drug with significant safety advantages and the characteristics of improving pancreatic islet functions in T2D patients. The unique advantages of HuaTangNing in T2D patients with nephropathy suggested by the clinical trials was also highlighted. Other clinical research also showed that HuaTangNing safely creates clear synergies in combination therapy with DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT-2 inhibitors in blood glucose control, suggesting its broader potential in T2D patients with different needs in glycemic control and at different stages of disease progression. By potentially restoring early-phase insulin secretion and improving beta-cell function, HuaTangNing is expected to be a key path in diabetes remission. In the future, Hua Medicine will continue to explore HuaTangNing's potential in the remission of T2D drug discontinuation and the combination therapies with the other nine existing types of diabetes drugs. Hua Medicine is committed to addressing the needs of diabetic prevention, remission and complication control, and bringing Chinese innovation to the world.Xiaolan Zhou, Executive Vice President, Pharmaceuticals Division, Bayer AG and President of Bayer Pharmaceuticals China, said, "Bayer has been working on diabetes treatment and contributing to the development of diabetes prevention and treatment in China for years. HuaTangNing and Glucobay, the first oral hypoglycemic drug with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), together with continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs), establish end-to-end course management from prevention to treatment for Chinese T2D patients. Real-time blood glucose monitoring helps achieve the goal of 'steady blood glucose control'. At the same time, Bayer proactively explores digital solutions to help hundreds of millions of Chinese patients to achieve the vision of diabetes-free."Dr. Li Chen, the founder, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Hua Medicine, said, "the NDA approval of HuaTangNing is a major milestone for Hua Medicine, as it also marks that the innovative drug industry in China has entered a new stage of new development. Diabetes chronic disease management is strategically important for China's economy and people's livelihood. Hua Medicine adheres to our original intention of 'China leading pharmaceutical innovation'. Amid fierce international competition, researchers and partners of Hua Medicine have spent 10 years of hard work to develop the first-in-class new diabetes drug - first in the world and start from China, achieving a breakthrough from zero. This achievement is attributed to all Chinese scientists, clinicians and partners participated in the R&D of HuaTangNing. We are proud of HuaTangNing and grateful to everyone for their hard work and wholehearted dedication. At the same time, Hua Medicine looks forward to in-depth integration and full vitality with Bayer in the commercialization of HuaTangNing, which will bring new hope of diabetes prevention, treatment and relief to up to one hundred million Chinese T2D patients, establish standards for diabetes prevention and treatment, and contribute to the national strategy of achieving Healthy China 2030."About HuaTangNingHuaTangNing (dorzagliatin tablets) is a first-in-class glucokinase allosteric activator (GKA) with a brand-new mechanism. It can be used alone or in combination with metformin hydrochloride (when using metformin hydrochloride alone is ineffective in controlling blood glucose), to improve blood glucose control for T2D adult patients with diet and exercise. HuaTangNing targets at restoring the impaired glucose sensor glucokinase (GK) in pancreas, intestine and liver, to achieve one target with multiple points and coordinated blood glucose control. It regulates glucose stimulated secretion of the glycemic controlling hormones insulin, GLP-1 and glucagon in diabetes patients, which leads to the improvement of early-phase insulin secretion and disposition index. It has potential in restoring glucose homeostasis and diabetes remission. Results from two Phase III registered trials of HuaTangNing monotherapy and combination therapy with metformin in metformin tolerated T2D patients have shown that HuaTangNing significantly improves glycemic control with effective reduction of post prandial glucose, low risk of hypoglycemia, well tolerance and safety. HuaTangNing demonstrated a linear correlation between drug dose and plasma exposure, with high target organs distributed in pancreas, intestine and liver. It showed low renal excretion and similar pharmacokinetic profiles at End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients and healthy subjects, which suggest it can be readily used in those patients with renal insufficiency without dose adjustment. The unique mechanism of action, desirable pharmacokinetic, and good safety and tolerability profile establish HuaTangNing as a differentiated new class of anti-diabetes therapy.About Hua MedicineHua Medicine is an innovative drug development company found in China, focused on developing novel therapies for patients worldwide with unmet medical needs. Based on global resources, Hua Medicine teams up with global high-caliber people to develop breakthrough technologies and products, which contribute a global innovation in diabetes care. Targeting the glucose sensor, glucokinase, HuaTangNing (dorzagliatin tablets) as Hua Medicine's cornerstone product, restores glucose sensitivity in T2D patients and has completed registered SEED and DAWN Phase III trials in China. The NDA (New Drug Application) of HuaTangNing has been officially approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This first-in-class glucokinase activator has demonstrated its potential of achieving diabetes remission to help millions of diabetic patients around the world.About BayerBayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in health and agriculture of life science. Its products and services are designed to help human and the earth thrive by supporting the efforts to overcome major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable growth and having a positive impact on business. At the same time, Bayer aims to increase its profitability and create value through innovation and growth. Globally, the brand of Bayer stands for trust, reliability and quality. In the fiscal year of 2020, Bayer had around 100,000 employees, 41.4 billion euros of sales, and 4.9 billion euros of R&D expenses (excluding special programs). For more information, please visit www.bayer.com.About the cooperation between Hua Medicine and BayerIn August 2020, Bayer, a multinational pharmaceutical company, and Hua Medicine, a Chinese innovative drug research and development company, announced a strategic partnership on dorzagliatin, a first-in-class diabetes treatment drug, in China. This partnership aims at leveraging Bayer's prominent advantages in diabetes management in China and Hua Medicine's R&D expertise in diabetes treatment. Both parties are committed to benefiting hundreds of millions of China diabetic patients through new therapeutic options. Under the terms of the agreement, Hua Medicine as the market authorization holder (MAH) shall be responsible for clinical development, registration, product supply and distribution, while Bayer as the promotion service provider shall be responsible for marketing, promotion and medical education activities in China. The Pharmaceuticals China Innovation Center of Bayer facilitated this collaboration. As a global pharmaceutical leader, Bayer is committed to cooperating with external partners to promote breakthrough innovations, bring positive changes to patients, and achieve the goal of "cooperative innovation and joint cure". Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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