ACW Appendix 4E and 2024 Annual Report
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT
Actinogen Appendix 4E and 2024 digital annual report
Sydney, 30 August 2024. Actinogen Medical ASX: ACW (“ACW” or “the Company”) is pleased to
announce its financial results for the year ended 30 June 2024.
The Appendix 4E and 2024 digital annual report documents are attached.
ENDS
Dr. Steven Gourlay
CEO & Managing Director
P: +61 2 8964 7401
E. steven.gourlay@actinogen.com.au
Investors
Media
Michael Roberts
Investor Relations
M: +61 423 866 231
George Hazim
Media & Public Affairs Australia
M: +61 417 516 262
E. michael.roberts@actinogen.com.au
E: georgehazim@mediaaffairs.com.au
Announcement authorised by the Board of Directors of Actinogen Medical
About Actinogen Medical
Actinogen Medical (ACW) is an ASX-listed, biotechnology company developing a novel therapy for neurological and
neuropsychiatric diseases associated with dysregulated brain cortisol. There is a strong association between cortisol and
detrimental changes in the brain, affecting cognitive function, harm to brain cells and long-term cognitive health.
Cognitive function means how a person understands, remembers and thinks clearly. Cognitive functions include memory,
attention, reasoning, awareness and decision-making.
Actinogen is currently developing its lead compound, Xanamem, as a promising new therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease and
Depression and hopes to study Fragile X Syndrome and other neurological and psychiatric diseases in the future. Reducing
cortisol inside brain cells could have a positive impact in these and many other diseases. The cognitive dysfunction,
behavioural abnormalities, and neuropsychological burden associated with these conditions is debilitating for patients, and
there is a substantial unmet medical need for new and improved treatments.
Current Clinical Trials
The XanaCIDD Phase 2a cognition & depression trial is a double-blind, six-week proof-of-concept, placebo-controlled,
parallel group design trial in 167 patients. Participants are evenly randomized to receive Xanamem 10 mg once daily or
placebo, in some cases in addition to their existing antidepressant therapy, and effects on cognition and depression are
assessed. Positive topline results on depression were announced 12 August CY2024 and updated 26 August CY2024.
Actinogen Medical Limited ACN 086 778 476
Suite 901, Level 9, 109 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 8964 7401 | actinogen.com.au
1
The XanaMIA Phase 2b Alzheimer’s disease trial is a double-blind, 36-week treatment, placebo-controlled, parallel
group design trial in 220 patients with mild to moderate AD and progressive disease, determined by clinical criteria and
confirmed by an elevated level of the pTau181 protein biomarker in blood. Patients receive Xanamem 10 mg or placebo,
once daily, and effects on cognition, function and progression of Alzheimer’s disease are assessed. Thus, Xanamem is
being assessed in this trial for its potential effects as a both a cognitive enhancer and a disease course modifier. Initial
results from an interim analysis of the first 100 participants are anticipated in mid 2025.
About Xanamem
Xanamem’s novel mechanism of action is to block the production of cortisol inside cells through the inhibition of the 11βHSD1 enzyme in the brain. Xanamem is designed to get into the brain after it is absorbed in the intestines upon swallowing.
Chronically elevated cortisol is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and excess cortisol is known to
be toxic to brain cells. Cognitive impairment is also a feature in Depression and many other diseases. Cortisol itself is also
associated with depressive symptoms and when targeted via other mechanisms has shown some promise in prior clinical
trials.
The Company has studied 11β-HSD1 inhibition by Xanamem in more than 300 volunteers and patients, so far finding a
statistically significant improvement in working memory and attention, compared with placebo, in healthy, older volunteers
in two consecutive trials and clinically significant improvements in functional and cognitive ability in patients with biomarkerpositive mild AD. Previously, high levels of target engagement in the brain with doses as low as 5 mg daily have been
demonstrated in a human PET imaging study. A series of Phase 2 studies in multiple diseases is being conducted to further
confirm and characterize Xanamem’s therapeutic potential.
Xanamem is an investigational product and is not approved for use outside of a clinical trial by the FDA or by any global
regulatory authority. Xanamem® is a trademark of Actinogen Medical.
Disclaimer
This announcement and attachments may contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are not historical facts; are
based on subjective estimates, assumptions and qualifications; and relate to circumstances and events that have not taken
place and may not take place. Such forward looking statements should be considered “at-risk statements” - not to be relied
upon as they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors (such as significant business,
economic and competitive uncertainties / contingencies and regulatory and clinical development risks, future outcomes
and uncertainties) that may lead to actual results being materially different from any forward looking statement or the
performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Actinogen Medical does not undertake any
obligation to revise such statements to reflect events or any change in circumstances arising after the date hereof, or to
reflect the occurrence of or non-occurrence of any future events. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future
performance. Actinogen Medical does not make any guarantee, representation or warranty as to the likelihood of
achievement or reasonableness of any forward-looking statements and there can be no assurance or guarantee that any
forward-looking statements will be realised.
ACTINOGEN MEDICAL ENCOURAGES ALL CURRENT INVESTORS TO GO PAPERLESS BY REGISTERING THEIR DETAILS
WITH THE DESIGNATED REGISTRY SERVICE PROVIDER, AUTOMIC GROUP.
Actinogen Medical Limited ACN 086 778 476
Suite 901, Level 9, 109 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 8964 7401 | actinogen.com.au
2
ACTINOGEN MEDICAL LIMITED
APPENDIX 4E
1. Company details
Name of entity
ACTINOGEN MEDICAL LIMITED
ABN or equivalent company reference
Financial year ended
(‘reporting period’)
Financial year ended
(‘previous corresponding period’)
14 086 778 476
30 June 2024
30 June 2023
2.
Results for announcement to the market
Revenue from ordinary activities
Loss from ordinary activities after tax
attributable to members
Net loss for the period attributable to
members
Net tangible asset per share (a)
30/06/2024
$
291,021
30/06/2023
$
366,654
Change
%
-21%
Amount change
$
(75,633)
(13,044,282)
(10,752,270)
21%
(2,292,012)
(13,044,282)
(10,752,270)
21%
(2,292,012)
0.007
0.006
(a) Includes right-of-use asset
3.
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Refer to attached financial statements.
4.
Statement of Financial Position
Refer to attached financial statements.
5.
Statement of Cash Flows
Refer to attached financial statements.
6.
Statement of Changes in Equity
Refer to attached financial statements.
7.
Dividends/Distributions
No dividends declared in current or prior year.
8.
Details of Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Not applicable.
9.
Details of entities over which control has been gained or lost during the period
Not applicable.
10.
Details of associates and joint venture entities
Not applicable.
11.
Any other significant information needed by an investor to make an informed assessment of the Company’s financial
performance and financial position
Refer to attached financial statements.
12.
Foreign entities
Not applicable.
ACTINOGEN MEDICAL LIMITED
APPENDIX 4E
13.
Commentary on results and explanatory information
Actinogen Medical Limited (‘the Company’) incurred a net loss after tax for the financial year ended 30 June 2024 of $13,044,282 (2023:
$10,752,270)
Full year ended
30/06/2024
$
Full year ended
30/06/2023
$
Total revenue & other income
291,021
9,931,504
10,222,525
366,654
4,887,935
5,254,589
Research & development costs
Employment costs
Corporate & administration costs
Finance costs
Realised (loss) / unrealised gain on foreign currency
Share-based payment expenses
Amortisation expense
Depreciation expense (right-of-use asset)
Depreciation expense (office equipment)
(15,535,482)
(4,195,292)
(1,732,305)
(24,292)
(55,189)
(1,307,416)
(313,602)
(82,179)
(21,050)
Total expenses
(23,266,807)
(8,899,947)
(3,257,223)
(1,793,660)
(16,599)
(117,172)
(1,516,650)
(312,746)
(81,008)
(11,854)
(16,006,859)
Loss before income tax
Income tax expense
(13,044,282)
-
(10,752,270)
-
Loss for the year
(13,044,282)
(10,752,270)
Interest revenue
Other income
The R&D tax rebate comprises an accrual of $9,022,474 relating to the financial year ended 30 June 2024 plus $909,030 relating to the
prior year 30 June 2023 R&D tax rebate, which was an additional portion not recorded as a receivable as at 30 June 2023 but instead was
recognised and recorded when received in the current year.
While all other expenditure remained comparable with the prior year, there was an increase in employment costs as a result of
recruitment and salary increases, as well as various termination of employment and genuine redundancies that occurred during the year.
The Company’s R&D trial activities during the year increased significantly as the XanaCIDD phase 2a cognitive impairment and depression
trial ramped up to full enrolment, and as the XanaMIA phase 2b Alzheimer’s disease trial was commenced.
For further information, refer to the Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements.
14.
Audit
This report is based on accounts which have been audited.
Dr Steven Gourlay
Managing Director
Sydney, New South Wales
30 August 2024
Authorised for release by the Board of Directors.
2024
Annual report
Contents
Who we are
1
Highlights
2
The Xanamem pipeline
3
XanaCIDD depression trial results
4
Xanamem progressing to advanced clinical trial phase
6
Clinical trials program overview
7
Chair’s letter
8
Chief Executive Officer’s letter
10
Vision and strategy
12
Operating & financial review
14
Board of directors
22
Executive leadership team
24
Directors’ report
26
Remuneration report (Audited)
29
Auditor’s independence declaration
42
Financial report
43
Notes to the financial statements
48
Directors’ declaration
68
Independent auditor’s report
69
Shareholder information
73
Corporate directory
75
Disclaimer
This annual report may contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are not historical facts; are based on subjective estimates,
assumptions and qualifications; and relate to circumstances and events that have not taken place and may not take place. Such forward
looking statements should be considered “at-risk statements” - not to be relied upon as they are subject to known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors (such as significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties / contingencies and regulatory
and clinical development risks, future outcomes and uncertainties) that may lead to actual results being materially different from any
forward looking statement or the performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. You are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Actinogen Medical does not undertake any
obligation to revise such statements to reflect events or any change in circumstances arising after the date hereof, or to reflect the
occurrence of or non-occurrence of any future events. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Actinogen
Medical does not make any guarantee, representation or warranty as to the likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of any
forward-looking statements and there can be no assurance or guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be realised.
Actinogen is a
neurotherapeutics
developer realizing a
revolutionary therapy
so neurology patients
and their families can
live their best lives.
Annual Financial Report
1
Highlights
Positive depression results in the phase 2a XanaCIDD
trial confirm clinical activity and validate Xanamem’s
brain cortisol control mechanism
Announced positive
depression results in the
XanaCIDD phase 2a trial,
confirming the clinical
activity of 10 mg Xanamem®
dose and validating its brain
cortisol control mechanism
Received approval from
the UK MHRA1 for an
Innovation Passport under
Innovative Licensing and
Access Pathway (ILAP) for
Xanamem treatment of AD
Commenced screening
& enrolment in Australia
for XanaMIA phase 2b AD
trial with additional five
sites opening in the USA
in Q3 CY2024
Recruited and treated
167 patients in phase 2a
depression trial in circa
16 months reinforcing
excellence of hybrid model
of clinical trial operations
Strengthened IP portfolio
with development of
an improved synthetic
manufacturing process of
Xanamem drug substance
Completed and published
two academic manuscripts
in peer-reviewed journal, The
Journal of Alzheimer’s disease
including groundbreaking
phase 2a biomarker trial
Initiated strategic
changes and additions
to the executive and
operational teams including
new full‑time CFO and
strategic reorganization
of clinical operations team
Secured $19 million2 in two
successful capital raisings,
providing essential funds to
support ongoing clinical trial
program to late CY2025
Facilitated potential partner
engagement and relationship
building as a phase 2 clinical
stage company through
attendance at significant
international conferences
Conducted two highly
informative “plain English”
neuroscience webinars
Presented Actinogen
and met with most key
neuroscience companies
at the Sachs neuroscience
meeting in San Francisco
Improved drug substance
manufacturing process
with 1 kg demonstration
batch at our new
manufacturer Asymchem
® Xanamem is a registered trademark of Actinogen Medical Limited
1 UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. ILAP is the UK version of the FDA’s “breakthrough” designation
2 Unless stated otherwise, all financial data is in Australian dollars
2
Actinogen Medical Limited
The Xanamem pipeline
Indication
Preclinical
Phase 1
Alzheimer’s disease
Ongoing phase 2b
Major depressive
disorder
Topline results phase 2a
Fragile X syndrome
Phase 2a paused
Phase 2
Phase 3
Open INDs
phase 2 trials
Schizophrenia
- CIAS
Frontotemporal
dementia
Potential next indications
Lewy-body
dementia
CI and
dementia PD
CIAS: Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia; CI: Cognitive impairment; PD: Parkinson’s disease
Annual Financial Report
3
XanaCIDD depression
trial results
• There was a clinically meaningful
and persistent improvement in
depression measured by the key
secondary endpoint of MADRS and
in the Patient Global Impression of
Severity (PGI-S) measure
• This outcome indicates potential
modification of the underlying
biology of depression as a result
of inhibition of tissue cortisol
synthesis – a completely novel
mechanism for the treatment
of depression.
Xanamem benefit at Week 6 & 10
All randomized participants (n = 165)
Xanamem
Baseline
Placebo
Week 2
Week 4
Week 6
Week 10 post treatment
0
MADRS LS mean change from baseline (± SE)
Actinogen has achieved
clinically and statistically
significant superiority
of Xanamem over
placebo in depression in
XanaCIDD phase 2a trial:
BETTER
-2
PT 2.7-point difference
Cohen’s d = 0.43
p = 0.02
-4
-6
-8
EOT 1.5-point difference
Cohen’s d=0.24
p=0.11
-10
-12
FOLLOW UP
ON TREATMENT
Xanamem PGI-S separation from Week 2
All randomized participants (n = 165)
Dr Dana C Hilt
Actinogen’s Chief Medical Officer
Xanamem
Baseline
Placebo
Week 2
Week 4
Week 6
Week 10 post treatment
0
PGI-S LS mean change from baseline (± SE)
This encouraging result
on depression is very
positive to the whole
Xanamem program and
confirms 10 mg daily
is an active clinical
dose with the ability
to potentially modify
underlying biological
processes in the brain.
-0.2
BETTER
-0.4
PT 0.28-point difference
Cohen’s d = 0.29
p = 0.13
-0.6
-0.8
-1
EOT 0.22-point difference
Cohen’s d = 0.23
p = 0.19
-1.2
-1.4
ON TREATMENT
FOLLOW UP
Abbreviations: MADRS = Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale; EOT: End of Treatment; PT: Post Treatment
4
Actinogen Medical Limited
The excellent safety profile
of Xanamem was again
demonstrated in this trial
and the significant treatment
benefits seen in depression
are encouraging for both the
depression and Alzheimer’s
disease programs. We believe
the trial confirms the ability of
Xanamem 10 mg daily to safely
provide benefit to patients by
controlling levels of cortisol in
the brain.
Dr Steven Gourlay
Actinogen’s CEO
Annual Financial Report
5
Xanamem progressing to
advanced clinical trial phase
Major Xanamem development risks mitigated
Highly attractive phase 2/3 profile in dementia and major depression
Now and in future
Phase 2b/3 trials in AD
and depression
Recently
Positive phase 2a
depression data
Previously
In the beginning
Positive human PET
study confirms 5-10
mg daily target dose
Positive 11B-HSD1
AD mouse model
Positive phase 1b
trials on cognition
Low in vitro drugdrug interaction
potential
6
Actinogen Medical Limited
Positive phase 2a
AD data
To-be-marketed
tablet formulation
Excellent safety
profile (n>380)
1500-person safety
database
Marketing approvals
Clinical trials program overview
Phase 2 and 3 trials to achieve
marketing approvals
Current phase 1 & 2 datasets
Safety, cognition activity (n>380)
Phase 2b
Phase 2a
Alzheimer’s disease
Cognitive impairment
and depression
1x Phase 3
2x Phase 2b/3
Alzheimer’s disease
Depression
Annual Financial Report
7
Chair’s letter
Dr Geoff Brooke, Chair
Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to present
to you the Actinogen
Medical Annual Report for
the financial year ended
30 June 2024.
The Company continues to make compelling progress in the
execution of its strategy, focusing on “following the science”
in the successful development of our novel, small molecule
drug Xanamem, to treat illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease
and depression. We continue to believe that Xanamem’s
mechanism of “tissue cortisol synthesis inhibition” to reduce
excess cortisol inside brain cells has the potential to have
a major impact on the lives of patients and their families
suffering from many neurological and neuropsychiatric
conditions.
It was great to witness gradually improving conditions in
the biotech market from the start of 2024, especially as key
licensing and M&A activity signalled a change in sentiment
from the very challenging market headwinds of 2023,
particularly in the small-cap biotech sector.
A year of achievement
The Company enjoyed a productive financial year with
the achievement of several major milestones including the
execution of two phase 2 trials running concurrently during
the second half. It takes significant effort to get a trial to the
starting line, let alone manage the complexities of running two
sizeable trials across different jurisdictions simultaneously.
The XanaCIDD phase 2a depression trial completed its final
patient treatment on 1 July 2024, having recruited 167 patients
in 16 months – a tremendous effort from Actinogen staff, our
collaborators and the participants. An unexpectedly high
placebo effect impacted our ability to see a potential Xanamem
effect in the cognition primary endpoint. In the targeted
secondary endpoint, we were very pleased to see positive
benefits on depression, confirming the clinical activity of our
10 mg dose and validating the drug’s mechanism to control
brain cortisol.
The XanaMIA phase 2b Alzheimer’s disease trial commenced in
April 2024 and, typical of early phases in a trial, screening and
enrolment is gradually ramping up in Australia and will be aided
by the addition of new sites opening in the USA.
8
Actinogen Medical Limited
In another highlight, the Company received approval from the
UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
of its application for a UK Innovation Passport as part of the
Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) for Xanamem
in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This UK version of
the FDA’s “breakthrough” designation represents a significant
independent endorsement by an international regulator of the
potential medical importance of the Xanamem program.
The team has also continued to work diligently to complete
two academic manuscripts that were published in the peerreviewed journal, The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in the
second half of the financial year, with further academic
papers planned.
Executive leadership
CEO Dr Steven Gourlay has continued to lead the executive
team with distinction. He has the relevant experience needed
of a biotech CEO for a Company in the mid-late stage of vital
clinical development with a view to commercialisation. Steven
navigates the big-picture strategy with a clear view and plans
for later-stage requirements yet is proactive and attentive to
the many details and intricacies of the here and now of drug
clinical development. I firmly believe he has the experience and
agility to steer through complex situations while balancing our
budget in a high-cost industry.
Dr Gourlay leads a small but innovative, high calibre executive
leadership team with complementary skills that produces
results. We added to the team’s skillset this year with the
appointment of the Company’s first full-time Chief Financial
Officer, Mr Will Souter, who is a first-class CFO with a wealth of
biotech, financial and corporate communications experience.
Will has taken responsibility for finance, communications,
information technology and human resources, and is skilfully
leading capital management activities with the CEO.
I also commend the hard work and achievements of Ms Cheryl
Townsend and her clinical operations team during the past
year. I cited earlier the complexities of running two sizeable
trials simultaneously across different jurisdictions, including
significant pre-trial preparations, and the successful
delivery of those responsibilities is due in no small part to
Cheryl’s leadership.
And I take this opportunity to thank the wider executive
leadership team and the Actinogen workforce, as well as
key contractors, who all work so diligently to manage a very
effective and efficient clinical development program and
corporate functions required of a listed biotech.
Board, corporate governance and advisory boards
The board seeks continuous improvement in its governance
and management oversight capability. During the past year we
again conducted a review of all activities and responsibilities,
including assessing the Board skills matrix to identify gaps
and opportunities for improvement. Our significant corporate
The Actinogen team has again proven its ability to effectively and
efficiently deliver high quality clinical trial programs, with the
depression trial successfully concluded and the pivotal Alzheimer’s
phase 2b trial well under way as we head into the new financial year.
policies and other corporate governance materials are
posted on our website, and we maintain a robust corporate
governance framework to support the management and
execution of our long-term strategy and annual strategic
priorities.
I thank my fellow board members for their contributions during
a productive year which has necessarily required a significant
planning agenda for the next stages in the Company’s
development. I would especially like to acknowledge the
contribution of Dr Nicki Vasquez who joined the board in March
2023 and with her astute insights, has proven to be a valuable
contributor to board deliberations. We will continue to assess
our corporate board skillsets and, where appropriate, make
changes or additions as we did with Dr Vasquez’s appointment.
Actinogen continues to utilise world-leading advisors on our
advisory boards to help drive our strategic initiatives and
ensure the success of our clinical development program.
This year we welcomed Dr Steve Targum, a world-renowned
psychiatrist as an external advisor and chair of the XanaCIDD
trial safety committee. Shareholders may have seen Dr
Targum as an external expert commentator on the XanaCIDD
results webinar providing valuable input to the understanding
of the topline trial results. I thank all our esteemed independent
external advisory board and committee members for their
important contributions to the success of the Company
in FY2024.
Further details on the Actinogen corporate board, advisory
boards and senior executive personnel can be found on the
Company’s website: https://actinogen.com.au/our-team/
Capital management
The Company successfully completed two capital raisings
totalling $18.9 million during the year and I thank shareholders
for your strong support in the 2023 entitlement offer and the
recent May 2024 raising, where the entitlement offer was
oversubscribed approximately 1.8 times. Additional funding has
been received from the conversion of options associated with
those two capital raisings.
If you have any questions relating to your
shareholding in Actinogen, please contact Automic
at hello@automicgroup.com.au or on 1300
288 664 (within Australia) or +61 2 9698 5414
(outside Australia).
A further $9.0 million related to the 2024 R&D tax incentive
rebate is expected to be received in Q4 CY2024.
With a cash balance of $9.5 million at 30 June 2024 and the
additional funding sources described above, the company and
its current programs are funded to late CY2025.
Annual General Meeting
This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held in Sydney
on Thursday 14 November 2024, and we invite shareholders
to attend in person. Details of the meeting time and Sydney
location will be announced in due course.
Outlook
Actinogen has again proven its ability to deliver high quality
clinical trials in an efficient and effective manner. A key focus
in FY2025 will be on planning for follow on activities in our
depression trial program following the release of positive
topline results for the XanaCIDD phase 2a trial announced
earlier this month. This includes deeper analysis of the full
results dataset and announcing and publishing additional
information where relevant. Plus, we will be undertaking
discussions with regulators such as the FDA, EMA and the TGA
to identify the optimal trial design as we enter the next phase.
We look forward to making further progress in our XanaMIA
phase 2b Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial in FY2025 as we
activate sites in the USA and ramp up patient screening and
enrolments at all locations, ahead of an interim analysis in mid
CY2025. The design and enrolment criteria for this phase 2b
trial are based on the strong scientific rationale derived from
the findings of the biomarker trial, published recently in the
peer reviewed Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, which showed
that Xanamem potentially slows disease progression in AD
patients with elevated levels of plasma pTau.
The board looks forward with confidence to a very exciting
2025 financial year for Actinogen. As always, we remain
vigilant in our governance and proactive in our management as
we deliver on our strategic priorities.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank you, our
shareholders, for your ongoing support, and we look forward
to updating you on our progress during the coming year.
Dr Geoff Brooke
Chair
30 August 2024
Visit the Automic website https://investor.
automic.com.au/#/home to register as an ACW
shareholder or log in to your existing account.
Annual Financial Report
9
Chief Executive
Officer’s letter
Dr Steven Gourlay, CEO & Managing Director
Dear Shareholder,
The “rights” for Xanamem:
The Xanamem program is
now in advanced late-stage
clinical development.
• Hitting the right target – 11β-HSD1 in the brain
Actinogen has now reached a transformational stage in its
clinical development of Xanamem, with positive results on
depression in our XanaCIDD phase 2a trial. The improvements
seen in depression symptoms clearly show that Xanamem’s
mechanism of action in the brain to inhibit tissue production
of cortisol has major clinical impact. The associated lack of
superiority over placebo in short-term cognitive enhancement
was surprising but instructive for the depression program.
The FDA has long argued that cognitive dysfunction improves
as depression improves, although the scientific literature has
established that the correlation is by no means universal.
Based on our XanaCIDD results, we will be pursuing depression
itself, not short-term cognitive enhancement, in future clinical
trials – a much more straightforward path with regulators
like the FDA, EMA and TGA. In contrast, trials of Xanamem
in patients with Alzheimer’s disease will continue to include
both functional and cognitive measures in order to adequately
describe the potential slowing of disease progression in this
confirmatory, late-stage trial.
Xanamem is a unique orally administered molecule
in its own class as a “brain tissue cortisol synthesis
inhibitor”. In fact, the International Non-proprietary
Names for Pharmaceutical Substances (INN) of the
World Health Organization recognized this by giving
its future “generic” or non-proprietary name a unique
suffix (name to be announced in early 2025 pending
final vetting). No other brain-penetrant modifiers of
tissue cortisol synthesis are in development to our
knowledge and no other 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have
ever received an INN name.
So how did we get here and where do we go to from here? As
we have explained before, the science of clinical deve
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