Anavex Life Sciences Corp (AVXL)

[falconer66a]

Anavex is unique.

...there are other S2 receptor companies and MJFF is supporting them as well - AVXL is not unique

Well, actually, Anavex is unique; its sigma-1 receptor agonists, blarcamesine (Anavex 2-73), Anavex 3-71, and Anavex 1066 are proprietary to the company. More importantly, they exhibit very favorable (and safe), unique interactions with the sigma-1 protein.

Providing a molecule that binds to the sigma-1 receptor protein is no great feat. In vitro (in lab glassware) many dozens of molecules would bind to the protein. Extract or synthesize some pure sigma-1 receptor protein and in an aqueous solution in a flask see what other proteins might attach. Innumerable numbers.

For therapeutic uses, the only things that count are efficacy and safety. After the new molecule binds to the sigma-1 protein (in cells), are cell processes normalized? Can that happen safely, without untoward side reactions or events?

Also, the molecule has to get itself inside a target cell. Cells expend energy and have a multitude of structures and processes to keep extraneous chemicals out. The Anavex molecules are not repelled or excreted. They wonderfully get into cells with ease.

But, all in all, the only thing that counts is whether or not the extraneous new molecule actually promotes or modulates cellular health and normalized function. Years of preclinical work with the Anavex molecules show that they, indeed, facilitate or restore healthful cell functions, especially in neurons.

Many (including the FDA) are not yet convinced of the projected efficacies of the Anavex sigma-1 receptor agonists — understandably. So far, results (all of which have been positive) have been in either animals, or in early pre-clinical human studies. The matter will not be settled until the three ongoing clinical trials in humans conclude; this year the Rett study; later the Parkinson’s disease dementia study, and next year the giant biggie, the long-term full-strength Alzheimer’s study.

Many of us here have presented analyses of a multitude of existing blarcamesine studies. We eagerly await the final study results in the mentioned trials. Will, then, Anavex have competing drugs from “the other S2 receptor companies?” We certainly invite the posting of research or clinical data that might support such a contention. What are those other companies? What new drugs are they endorsing? Most importantly, what (if any) is the existing evidence of safety and efficacy? Lots for Anavex. For the other competing companies...?