AI-116: A New Hope in the Fight Against Dementia.
- Noel Ong
- May 16
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Announcement:
Melbourne-based biotech innovator Algorae Pharmaceuticals (ASX: 1AI) is setting the stage for a game-changing therapeutic breakthrough with its combination drug candidate, AI-116, aimed at treating dementia and neurodegenerative disorders.
Rewiring the Future of Brain Health
In a world where dementia continues to challenge modern medicine, Algorae Pharmaceuticals has announced promising pre-clinical results for AI-116 — a novel combination of the widely used Alzheimer’s drug Donepezil and cannabidiol (CBD). This dual-action formulation is designed to offer enhanced neuroprotection compared to current single-agent treatments.
Key Findings
Superior Cell Protection:
In lab tests mimicking dementia-like conditions, AI-116 outperformed Donepezil by a wide margin. In the presence of neurotoxic glutamate levels, AI-116 restored 53% of cell viability, compared to 42% for CBD alone and just 17% for Donepezil alone.
Figure 1. Average percentage increase in cell survival relative to glutamate-treated control cells. Relative to the glutamate-treated toxic control, Donepezil (represented as AChEI) alone restored a mean of 17% of total relative cell viability, CBD alone restored a mean of 42% of total relative cell viability, and AI-116 at the optimal dosages restored a mean of 53% of total relative cell viability. (source: 1AI ASX Announcement, 31 July 2024)
Genetic Insights:
RNA sequencing revealed that AI-116 uniquely influenced 21 genes tied to major neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. This suggests broad-spectrum potential in treating various forms of dementia.
Combatting Amyloid β Toxicity:
AI-116 also demonstrated synergy in protecting cells from amyloid β (Aβ) toxicity, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The combination drug improved cell viability to 85.6%, versus 77.1% for CBD and 67.6% for Donepezil.
Next Steps: Clinical Trials & Patent Protection
With compelling pre-clinical data in hand, Algorae is now initiating clinical trial planning for AI-116, engaging with top dementia researchers. Meanwhile, the company has filed an international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application to secure intellectual property rights across global markets.
Why It Matters
Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide and is projected to cost over $2.8 trillion annually by 2030. Current medications offer limited relief. AI-116’s dual-action approach may represent the next evolution in neurotherapeutics.
Behind the Science
Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor registered since 1996, boosts brain function by increasing acetylcholine levels. CBD, meanwhile, offers anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. By merging these mechanisms, Algorae aims to deliver a more effective solution.
Samso’s Concluding Comments
AI-116 is one of those stories that sits quietly under the radar until it suddenly isn’t. For the longest time, the dementia treatment space has seen incremental gains, but nothing truly game-changing. The market, with its eyes often on tech or trending biotechs, tends to ignore the slow-burn potential of companies like Algorae Pharmaceuticals.
Now, with this recent pre-clinical data, AI-116 seems to be stepping into the light it has long deserved. The combination of Donepezil and CBD isn’t just clever—it’s strategic. The numbers speak for themselves, and when you start seeing modulation of key neurodegenerative genes, you know you're not looking at fluff science.
What makes this particularly interesting is that the drug doesn’t just show better efficacy—it shows synergistic efficacy. That word, often thrown around too loosely, actually has merit here. It’s the sort of outcome that turns a known treatment into a potential platform technology.
Filing a PCT patent at this stage tells me Algorae is not just playing in the lab; they’re positioning for global reach. That’s a move made by companies who understand the commercial landscape, not just the clinical one.
This is the kind of story that will slip past most investors—until it doesn’t. Clinical trials will be the next hurdle, but for now, this looks like one of those early moments we’ll look back on and say, “That’s when it all started.”
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The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints.
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