Neurogen Corp Reports Alzheimer's Trial Results -2
Dow Jones, Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 08:41
BRANFORD, Conn. -(Dow Jones)- Neurogen Corp. (NRGN) reported a wider third quarter loss than a year ago and noted that its lead drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, NGD 97-1, did not show a therapeutic effect in a Phase II study conducted by Pfizer Inc. (PFE).
In a press release Tuesday, the company said about 200 Alzheimer's disease patients received one of three dose levels of NGD 97-1 or a placebo or a control drug in the double-blind study.
Based on the findings from the study, Neurogen said it doesn't expect Pfizer to further advance NGD 97-1.
NGD 97-1 reduces the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid in the memory centers of the brain, improving cognitive function in preclinical animal models.
Neurogen and Pfizer are partners in developing subtype selective gamma aminobutyric-based drugs for the treatment of insomnia, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety and depression.
Pfizer is responsible for clinical development and commercialization, while Neurogen has rights to receive milestone and royalty payments on gamma aminobutyric-based drugs from the collaboration.
Neurogen also noted that its lead drug candidate for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, NGD 2000-1, was safe and well tolerated in single and multiple-ascending dose Phase I studies.
Neurogen expects to explore the efficacy of NGD 2000-1 in multiple Phase II studies for a variety of inflammatory disorders. |
