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The preclinical study was conducted by Professor Marina Lynch, Departmentof Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, anddemonstrated that EPA attenuates the age-related and beta amyloid-inducedimpairment of Long Term Potentiation (LTP). LTP is a phenomenon considered animportant marker of the integrity of neural processes involved in memory andcognition. This mechanism was identified by Professor Eric Kandel asfundamental in mediating memory and cognition and, consequently, LTP isconsidered a major mechanism by which the brain learns and maintains memories.
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The study confirmed that EPA reduced concentrations of thepro-inflammatory interleukin 1beta (IL-beta), and phosphorylation of thestress-activated protein kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These factorsare associated with inhibition of LTP thus potentially impair memory andcognition.
Commenting on the study, Professor Lynch said, "These findings identifyan important potential role for EPA in modulating beta-amyloid-induced andage-related changes in the brain and the present findings suggest that thebeneficial effects of EPA are likely to result from its attenuation ofhippocampal IL-1beta concentration, perhaps as a consequence of its action onexpression of PPARgamma."
Rick Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Amarin, commented, "Thesefindings are very encouraging and provide the validation to proceed with ourclinical development program using EPA for Age Associated Memory Impairmentand cognition. They are especially important as the findings reinforce thesubstantial body of pre-clinical work already undertaken. We expect tocommence a clinical program in Age Associated Memory Impairment by year-end."
About the Role of EPA in Long-Term Potentiation (LTP), Age AssociatedMemory Impairment (AAMI) and Cognition
Aging is associated with impairment in LTP, resulting in Age AssociatedMemory Impairment (AAMI) and cognitive function. This impairment results frominflammatory and oxidative changes in the hippocampal area of the brain. Inpre-clinical studies, analysis of the mechanisms underlying the effect ofaging on hippocampal function has focused to a significant extent on analysisof age-related changes in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus.
Further, these findings support the substantial preclinical studiespreviously published in the use of EPA to promote LTP in aging models.
About Amarin
Amarin is committed to improving the lives of patients suffering fromdiseases of the central nervous system. Our goal is to be a leader in theresearch, development and commercialization of novel drugs that address unmetpatient needs.
Amarin's core development pipeline includes programs for Parkinson'sdisease, Age Associated Memory Impairment, cognition, epilepsy seizures andother Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders.
Amarin has its primary stock market listing in the U.S. on NASDAQ("AMRN") and secondary listings in the U.K. and Ireland on AIM ("AMRN") andIEX ("H2E"), respectively.
For press releases and other corporate information, visit the Amarinwebsite at http://www.amarincorp.com. Information on our website does notform part of this press release.
References
1) Kavanagh T., Lonergan P. E., and Lynch M. A. (2004) Eicosapentaenoicacid and gamma-linolenic acid increase hippocampal concentrations of IL-4 andIL-10 and abrogate
