Lead Inventor: Koji Nakanishi Problem or Unmet Need: Ginkgo biloba is a frequently used herbal remedy for increasing cognitive function in the elderly and Alzheimer's patients, treating vascular and neurodegenerative dementia, and improving circulation...

Lead Inventor: Koji Nakanishi Problem or Unmet Need: Ginkgo biloba is a frequently used herbal remedy for increasing cognitive function in the elderly and Alzheimer's patients, treating vascular and neurodegenerative dementia, and improving circulation and tinnitus. The main active ingredients have been identified as flavonoids and terpene trilactones (TTLs), including Ginkgolides A,B,C,J and Bilobalide, which have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Although Ginkgo biloba extract has been approved as medicine in Germany and France in the form of the standardized formula EGb 761. Ginkgo biloba extracts are potentially beneficial in relieving symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, but extracts typically suffer from low efficacy, non-specificity and possible adverse effects when administered in vivo. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for compounds and methods for treating CNS disorders with improved efficacy, specificity, and safety profiles. The isolation and characterization of specific components of Ginkgo biloba has the potential to lead to creation of new pharmaceutical products. Details of the Invention: The invention is a method for isolating terpene trilactones and ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba plant material or extract. Uses and formulations of ginkgolides and derivatives are also included. Ginkgolides A,B,C,J, have been found to be potent molecular protectors against neuro-degenerative processes. The invention also provides methods for treating a neurological or neurodegenerative disease or disorder in a mammal by administering Ginkgolide A and J. Applications: • Treatment for Alzheimer's disease, dementia and memory defects • Protection of neurons against damage • Treatment of depression • Use of Ginkglides A and J to identify neuronal receptors useful protection against cell damage and death Advantages: • Ginkgolides A and J, in high purity, have been shown to be more effective than mixtures currently available • Improves memory in Alzheimer model mice • Treats a range of neurodegenerative diseases and can potentially protect against neuron damage Opportunity: STV is actively seeking a licensing partner(s) who will develop and market products and/or processes based on the method for isolating terpene trilactones and ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba. Patent Status: Patent Pending (WO/2005/092324) Publications: Protection against beta-amyloid induced abnormal synaptic function and cell death by Ginkgolide, J. Vitolo O, Gong B, Cao Z, Ishii H, Jaracz S, Nakanishi K, Arancio O, Dzyuba SV, Lefort R, Shelanski M. Neurobiol Aging. 2007 Jul 17. Licensing Status: Available for Licensing or Sponsored Research Agreement

Pat. Title: GINKGOLIDE COMPOUNDS, COMPOSITIONS AND EXTRACTS, AND USES THEREOF GINKGOLIDES A AND J AND RELATED THERAPEUTIC METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS GINKGOLIDE COMPOUNDS, COMPOSITIONS AND EXTRACTS, AND USES THEREOF

Publication #: WO 2005/092324

App. #: US05/009417 60/554,508 10/593,427

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