ANAVEX 2-73 restores mitochondrial functionality, blocks cell death and oxidative stress, preventing onset of Alzheimer's disease

New data presented at International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases

VANCOUVER, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Anavex Life Sciences Corp. ("Anavex") (OTCQB: AVXL) today announced more promising new data for ANAVEX 2-73, the company's lead drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease.

In a scientific study conducted in France at the University of Montpellier and INSERM, ANAVEX 2-73 demonstrated disease-modifying effects, including the ability to repair normal mitochondrial functionality in the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved with learning, memory and emotions.  Mitochondrial dysfunction has been consistently reported as an early cause of Alzheimer's disease.  It appears before amyloid-beta plaques can start to accumulate and memory loss begins in Alzheimer's patients and transgenic mice.  In the same study, ANAVEX 2-73 blocked apoptosis (cell death) and oxidative stress, which is believed to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

"ANAVEX 2-73 appears to be a valuable drug for protection against mitochondrial damages relative to Alzheimer's disease physiopathology," said Tangui Maurice, PhD, CNRS Research Director, Head of Team 2 'Endogenous Neuroprotection in Neurodegenerative Diseases', at the University of Montpellier and INSERM.  "The unique target combination of the drug is responsible for its activity on mitochondrial dysfunction which is likely the triggering event of the pathology."

The new study data was revealed in a presentation at the international conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases in Florence, Italy.  Now in its 11^th year, the conference attracts leading international medical and scientific experts from around the world.  The presentation is titled, "Mitochondrial protection in mouse hippocampus against Aß25-35 toxicity is induced by the

novel tetrahydrofuran derivative ANAVEX2-73, a mixed σ1 receptor and cholinergic agonist."

The study was jointly conducted by Valentine Lahmy, PharmD, Romain Long, PhD, Didier Morin, PhD, team leader at INSERM, Institut Henri Modor, Créteil, Vanessa Villard, PhD, CEO of Amylgen, Alexandre Vamvakides, PhD, Scientific Founder of Anavex, and Tangui Maurice, PhD.  Full details of the study are described on Anavex's website at http://www.anavex.com/files/1303_ADPD_Valentine.pdf.

About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.

Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (www.anavex.com) is a pharmaceutical company engaged in the development of novel drug candidates.  ANAVEX 2-73, a drug candidate developed to treat Alzheimer's disease through disease modification, has undergone an initial Phase 1 human clinical trial and was well tolerated in doses up to 55mg. Sponsored pre-clinical studies indicate that ANAVEX 2-73 demonstrates anti-amnesic and neuroprotective properties.  Anavex is a publicly traded corporation quoted as AVXL.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the risks and uncertainties inherent in drug discovery and development, which include, without limitation, the potential failure of development candidates to advance through preclinical studies or demonstrate safety and efficacy in clinical testing and the ability to pass clinical trials so as to move on to the next phase, our ability to finance development or satisfy the rigorous regulatory requirements for new drugs, our ability to attract and retain quality personnel, and that despite positive results, our competitors may offer better or cheaper alternatives. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Anavex Life Sciences Corp. undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

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SOURCE Anavex Life Sciences Corp.