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February 9th, 2010 Intravenous IgG Therapy: A New Path to Prevent Alzheimer`s Disease? During the past years there has been a growing interest in research into the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the current hypothesis on the pathogenesis of AD, the deposition of amyloid-beta-peptide plaques in the brain is considered to be related with the development and progression of the disease. Several animal and small clinical (e.g. Dodel 2007) studies have provided evidence that infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) such as octagam® decreased the level of the amyloid-beta-peptide level in the cerebrospinal fluid and provided beneficial effects on the cognitive function, thus supporting amyloid clearance theories. Fillit et al (Fillit 2009) published a retrospective analysis of the risk of AD and related disorders in people ≥ 65 with a prior history of one or more IVIG treatments for indications other than AD. In the analyzed 4-year period it was demonstrated that previous treatment with IVIG was associated with a 42% lower risk of developing AD and related disorders, if compared to control subjects that were not treated with IVIG. A Swedish research group (Hammarström 2009) performing a nationwide survey on satisfaction with intravenous IgG therapy, worries, fears and quality of life in patients suffering from primary immune deficiency (PID) recently got an interesting finding regarding the prevalence of AD in this patient group. The research group retrospectively analysed the data of 237 PID patients of > 65 years that have regularly been treated with IVIG due to their immune deficiency. Based on the general prevalence of AD in Sweden, it could be expected to find 13 patients with AD in this specific population. However, interestingly, none of the 237 patients suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. The conclusion of the Swedish research group was that this observation may support previous indications that IVIG administration might be a path to prevent AD. Forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements, which include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors not under the company’s control. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. These factors include results of current or pending research and development activities and actions by regulatory authorities. Reference L. Hammarström, S. Hansen, A. Gardulf. Does IgG therapy prevent Alzheimer’s disease? J of Neuroimmunology 215 (2009) 122-124 Fillit H, Hess G, Hill J, Bonnet P, Toso C. IV immunoglobulin is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease and related disorders. Neurology. Jul 21 2009;73(3):180-185. Dodel RC, Du Y, Depboylu C, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulins containing antibodies against beta-amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. Oct 2004;75(10):1472-1474. Dr. Stefan Haag Head of IBU Immunotherapy Octapharma AG, Switzerland © Octapharma AG, 2010
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