- Actinogen Medical (ACW) is collaborating with Oxford University researchers to investigate Xanamem and a condition called mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS)
- MACS is associated with an over-production of the stress hormone cortisol and Xanamem is ACW’s lead compound being developed as a therapy to reduce brain cortisol
- The collaboration with Professor Jeremy Tomlinson and the university will investigate Xanamem’s therapeutic potential in MACS patients
- Conducted through a 12-week trial, 40 participants will be tested to evaluate the effects of Xanamem with final results anticipated in 2024
- Actinogen shares have been trading 4.35 per cent higher at 12 cents
Actinogen (ACW) has announced a collaboration with Oxford University researchers to investigate Xanamem and a condition called mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS).
MACS is associated with an over-production of the stress hormone cortisol, by non-cancerous growths on the adrenal glands, typically manifesting in elderly patients.
The company’s lead compound, Xanamem, is currently being developed as a therapy for neurological diseases where reducing cortisol in the brain could have a positive impact.
Actinogen is supplying Xanamem to Oxford free-of-charge and providing trial support.
The company will collaborate with Professor Jeremy Tomlinson and the Oxford University Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism to investigate its therapeutic potential in MACS patients.
This will be conducted through a clinical trial of 12 weeks treatment, funded by a Medical Research Council (UK) grant.
The placebo-controlled trial will enrol around 40 participants and evaluate the effects of Xanamem on metabolism, bone density and cognitive function with final results anticipated in 2024.
Actinogen CEO and managing director, Dr Steve Gourlay, explained.
“The MACS collaboration represents an important opportunity to investigate the potential benefits of Xanamem on the cortisol system outside of the brain,” he said.
“We are pleased to be working with Oxford University, an academic centre of excellence in this area.”
MACS study chief investigator, Professor Jeremy Tomlinson also commented.
“This is a hugely important clinical problem and currently there are no licenced treatments,” Mr Tomlinson said.
“This study may not only provide a detailed understanding of the processes that drive the condition, but also offer potential for an entirely novel treatment.”
Actinogen shares were up 4.35 per cent to trade at 12 cents at 1:32 pm AEDT.