Prana’s PBT434 Inhibits Accumulation of Parkinson’s protein and Subsequent Death of Brain Cells

New data to be presented at the 11th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and the 11th International Basal Ganglia Society Meeting in Eilat, Israel

Melbourne – 6 March, 2013: Prana Biotechnology (NASDAQ:PRAN; ASX:PBT) today announced that PBT434, Prana’s lead drug candidate for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and movement disorders, will be presented at two international conferences in March. The key finding to be reported is that PBT434 reduces the aggregation and accumulation of a key protein (alpha- synuclein) in multiple transgenic animal models of the disease.

The alpha-synuclein (s.n.) protein aggregates inside the nerve cells of the substantia nigra, the part of the brain that is progressively damaged in the disease. The substantia nigra is responsible for controlling movement. The (s.n.) protein aggregates are associated with the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease, and in three different Parkinsons disease animal models, PBT434 significantly prevented the death of substantia nigra brain cells.

“A treatment for Parkinsons disease and other movement diseases that actually modifies the course of the diseases remains a major unmet medical need. Our data suggests that PBT434 intervenes in metal dependent pathways which otherwise promote the aggregation of alpha- synuclein. Thus, PBT434 prevents the death of substantia nigra cells. We have observed marked improvements in motor function and coordination with PBT434” commented Associate Professor Robert Cherny, Prana’s Head of Research.

Associate Professor David Finkelstein will present the new data at the 11th International Basal Ganglia Society Meeting in Eilat, Israel, March 3rd to 7th, 2013 in a talk entitled “PD: Towards New Disease Modifying Therapies”.

In addition, Associate Prof Kevin Barnham will discuss PBT434 at the 11th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, to be held in Florence, Italy, March 6th to 10th, 2013. In a talk entitled “The Role of Nitrated Tau in PD”.

PBT434 is being developed by Prana with support from the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research.