an example of where we're going......
Tuesday October 31, 12:11 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals
ACADIA and Allergan Advance Genomics-Based
Glaucoma Drug to the Clinic; ACADIA and Allergan
Extend Successful Functional Genomics Collaboration
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- ACADIA Pharmaceuticals announced today that Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN -
news) has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA for AGN 195795 (AC-170472), a gene-specific
adrenergic agonist for the treatment of glaucoma. This novel drug candidate was discovered through the functional genomics
collaboration formed by ACADIA and Allergan in September 1997. The parties also announced that they have recently
extended this highly productive collaboration for an additional two- year period.
Through their collaboration, ACADIA and Allergan are applying a genomics approach to the discovery of new and improved
drugs for glaucoma and other diseases. Using ACADIA's functional genomics platform as the foundation for discovery efforts
and Allergan's disease models and medicinal chemistry, the companies successfully identified and validated the specific alpha
adrenergic gene product that affects intraocular pressure and developed AGN 195795, a gene product specific small molecule
drug that selectively activates this gene target.
In pre-clinical animal studies, AGN 195795 demonstrated a profile superior to that of existing adrenergic agents, suggesting
that it may offer potential advantages to glaucoma patients. AGN 195795 is scheduled to enter Phase I/IIa placebo-controlled
clinical trials designed to provide information on safety and preliminary efficacy in glaucoma patients in late-2000. Allergan is
responsible for clinical development and has worldwide rights to commercialize products resulting from the collaboration, with
the exception that ACADIA retains certain commercial rights in the neuropsychiatric disease area. The filing of the IND for
AGN 195795 triggered an undisclosed milestone payment to ACADIA, and the Company will receive additional milestones
and royalties on future product sales, if successfully commercialized.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that share common features, including elevated intraocular pressure, damage to the optic
nerve and visual field loss. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, an estimated 3 million Americans and 67 million
people worldwide have glaucoma. Untreated glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
``We are very pleased with the rapid progress of our collaboration with ACADIA,'' said Lester J. Kaplan, Ph.D., Allergan's
President, Research and Development. ``Their unique functional genomics technology has proven to be highly productive and
has facilitated the rapid discovery of superior drug candidates.''
``The advancement of AGN 195795 from the validation of a genomic target through to the clinic is a demonstration of our
powerful genomics-driven approach to drug discovery,'' said Uli Hacksell, Ph.D., ACADIA's Chief Executive Officer. ``We
are delighted with Allergan's continued support and their decision to extend our collaboration.''
Certain matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the ``safe harbor'' provisions
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties
that may cause actual results to differ materially. ACADIA disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking
statements.
ACADIA is an emerging leader in genomics-based drug discovery. ACADIA has developed a functional genomics platform
that uniquely links a wide diversity of genomic and chemical information to validate drug targets and generate gene-specific
small molecule drugs with improved therapeutic profiles. The Company has established a portfolio of drug discovery programs
focused on neuropsychiatric and related disorders, and is commercializing this pipeline through licensing and discovery
collaborations with pharmaceutical partners. The Company's corporate headquarters and biological research facilities are
located in San Diego, California and its chemistry research facilities are located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
SOURCE: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals |
