IntelGenx Technologies Corp (IGXT)

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Currently, IntelGenx is working on or producing 11 different films. Most of these are in partnership with other companies, but Montelukast is the exception. In tablet form, this drug is used to prevent and treat symptoms of asthma and seasonal or year-round allergies.

Certain psychiatric side-effects derived from the drug have led people to seriously consider the neuroprotective aspects. Research then showed that Montelukast could rejuvenate aged brains in animals, suggesting that the leukotriene receptor antagonist may have a similar effect in humans.

A huge barrier to the effectiveness of Montelukast for human use is entering the bloodstream, then crossing the blood-brain barrier. Montelukast does the latter very poorly as a tablet, however, it has been shown to do this easily and in significant quantities when administered as an oral film.

Of the 11 drugs known to be in development by IntelGenx, four specifically target issues connected to the brain. The increase in bioavailability in this area of the body is particularly striking and may be the reason such a high proportion of drugs for the brain are utilising this delivery form.