OXIGONTM is a small molecule which has been shown to be potently neuroprotective to amyloid-induced toxicity. In addition, OXIGONTM is the most potent antioxidant known and is several orders of magnitude more potent than commonly used vitamin antioxidants such as vitamins E and C.
 
The molecule’s dual mode of action was first discovered by leading Alzheimer’s disease research scientists at New York University and the University of South Alabama. The unique mechanism of action involves blocking the oxidative stress which is responsible for cell death associated with Alzheimer’s disease as well as preventing the aggregation of ß-amyloid. ß-amyloid deposits as a mass of insoluble toxic fibrils to form the amyloid plaques which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology.

OXIGONTM was selected for funding by the prestigious Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), a consortium of clinical investigators and academic researchers chartered by the National Institute of Aging to conduct and fund clinical trials for promising new Alzheimer’s disease therapies. The ADCS (via its network of many Alzheimer’s disease researchers in the U.S.A.) reviewed a large number of proposals and selected to test OXIGONTM as one of only five clinical trials to support in its next cycle. This ADCS sponsored trial will test OXIGONTM for the first time in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Mindset has pioneered the use of antibodies for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The company's immunological program consists of two approaches to reduce the level of ß-amyloid in the brain, and to prevent the neurotoxic consequences of amyloid formation.

The first approach uses passive immunization (antibody administration) specific to the ß-amyloid toxin. This approach which was conceived by Mindset’s CEO, Dr. Daniel Chain, involves generating antibody molecules that are uniquely selective for the ß-amyloid peptide, with the aim to promote its clearance from the brain and importantly, block specific interactions of the toxin with cell-surface receptors that lead to cell injury. By binding specifically to the toxin, the antibodies can exert their therapeutic benefit without affecting important physiological processes, such as those mediated by the amyloid precursor protein, APP.
 
Mindset is also developing an active immunization or “vaccine”-like approach. This state-of-the art technology was invented by leading scientists at New York University, led by Professor Blas Frangione. The vaccine uses synthetic homologues of the natural amyloid toxin which have been modified to make them non-toxic and highly immunogenic.  Transgenic mice that normally develop an Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology have been shown to be protected from the disease when immunized with these synthetic molecules. Thus, this approach holds promise for the development of a safe, effective vaccine to treat Alzheimer’s disease victims and to delay or prevent onset of the disease in susceptible individuals.