Interesting to remember that the A2-73 clinical trial began in Jan., 2015. It was designed to fail early but did not. On Sept. 21, 2015 Anavex announced the appointment of Harald Hampel to the SAB and made a publicized announcement of the appointment. So Hampel has been with Anavex for almost 2 1/2 years. As has been discussed, Hampel is particularly interested in improving early detection of AD at the silent stage before there are any clinical signs or symptoms. This includes genetic analysis, or so-called pharmacogenetics. Here are some of Missling's comments about Hampel at that time: "We believe Harald's vast knowledge of Alzheimer's, his experience and interest in drug development, and focus on early detection, diagnosis and intervention complement our therapeutic approach and offer significant value as we advance Anavex 2-73 through the clinic."
In regard to the genetic analysis re Alzheimer's that has been discussed on the board today and yesterday, we know that Anavex has a relationship with Illumina for the gene sequencing data that has been collected on the patients in our clinical trial. Illumina has various commercial agreements with Thermofisher regarding complementary expertise which is used in the gene sequencing. Thermofisher bought out Affymetrix a couple of years ago. Affymetrix is also involved in genetic analysis. In 2015, Affymetrix put out the following news release: "Cytox and Affymetrix form strategic partnership to develop and commercialize blood-based genetic assay for Alzheimer's disease risk assessment." Cytox is a British company described as "an innovative developer of assays for risk assessment and prediction of dementia." The CEO of Cytox commented, "Our early research studies...suggest that by using a customized genetic variation panel, it may be possible to better assess the risk of an individual developing AD or MCI. The Axiom genotyping platform from Affymetrix...is ideally suited for use in a blood- based test for researchers interested in AD and MCI risk stratification and longer term diagnostic and prognostic use...Cytox will provide new genetic content using our comprehensive AD and dementia expertise which, when combined with Affymetrix's technology, know-how and marketing support makes an ideal partnership."
