The drug has passed clinical trials in China
Singapore: A Kerala-based company, Arjuna Natural Extracts, has made headlines by securing the US patent for its unique turmeric extract formulation that has the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease.
The patent also covers the method of formulation of the extract. Arjuna Natural Extracts, a manufacturer and exporter of standardized botanical extracts for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, is associated with Dolcas Biotech, in the US.
The drug, BCM-95 is a patented formulation of curcuminoid mixture and essential oil of turmeric. Under the leadership of Prof. Larry Baum, the drug has already undergone human clinical trials at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The treatment was found to be effective in preventing further cognitive decline. It also disintegrates the amyloid beta plaques, deposition of which in the brain is one of the major causes leading to Alzheimer's disease. The formulation also increases the vitamin E levels in the body.
The drug is currently undergoing human clinical trials in Australia in patients with Alzheimer's disease and those subjects who are at a risk of developing the disease. Mr Benny Antony, inventor of BCM-95 and joint managing director of Arjuna Natural Extracts, said, "The finding will provide a new ray of hope for Alzheimer's patients as it provides a natural, safe method to alleviate the disease."
Despite research for long, scientists are not really able to crack the physiologies of Alzheimer's disease or develop a potential treatment for the same. The global cost of Alzheimer's and dementia is estimated to be $605 billion.
BCM95 has more than 23 peer reviewed publications and 12 granted and 15 ongoing patents in India, US and Japan and several other countries. BCM95 is also being studied for various indications including inflammation, arthritis, diabetes, depression, liver and gastro-intestinal diseases and for cancer prevention and treatment, along with chemotherapy and radiation.
