Humans and dogs have lived together as best companions for tens of thousands of years, and the causes for their dementia are known to be similar. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) can be found frequently over the age of eight and is characterized by the pathology related to amyloid plaque and brain cell death very similar to human Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Dogs with CCDS also show similar symptoms of human AD such as memory disorders, sleep disorders, change in social activity, disorientation, urinary and fecal incontinence. The pathogenesis of AD and CCDS are expected to be somewhat similar, and when the treatment gets developed, it is likely to be effective at the same time.

Since 1998, GNT Pharma researchers have been studying the cause of Alzheimer's dementia and the development of treatment technologies. Crisdesalazine, discovered by our company as a treatment for AD, is a powerful antioxidant and a substance that reduces inflammation by inhibiting mPGES-1. It reduces brain free radicals, inflammation, amyloid plaque, neuronal cell death and cognitive function in the transgenic dementia mouse model. It has been proven to improve the performance.

We have established the GNT Animal Health business unit (GAH) and conducted clinical studies to develop crisdesalazine as a new drug for treating CCDS. GAH has demonstrated the outstanding safety and efficacy of crisdesalazine in cooperation with the major animal hospitals including Seoul National University, College of Veterinary Medicine. For the first time in the world, in South Korea, we have launched GedaCure®, a new CCDS drug that improves cognitive function and slows down the progress. We hope that the launching of GedaCure® will help the dogs suffering from CCDS and their owners retrieve forgotten precious memories and happiness. Also, GAH will continue to devote ourselves to development of high standard medicine and technology aimed at healthy life and happiness for companion animals and owners.