Well, Dr. Harmon, I'd say the SIBIA comparison is apt--though I hope their programs fare better than SIBIA's did once absorbed by Merck. Acadia has always had strong chemistry capabilities in their Denmark operation (Acadia's been around since 1991) and does have both the 5HT-2a inverse agonists and M1 agonist platforms, plus some earlier pain-related work. I personally am most interested in ACP-104--a major metabolite of Clozaril, the best of the atypicals vis a vis negative/cognitive sx of schizophrenia, but it is a M1 agonist, whereas Clozaril blocks M1. This should make it more potent against cognitive sx--Clozaril users with better cognitive fxn tend to show higher levels of the metabolite. The questions I have are: does the metabolite have the same effect on the primary psychotic sx (if not, it won't be a monotherapy), and does it also carry the risk of agranulocytosis? Weight gain is necessary rule-out as well. With the Allergan partnered programs in neuropathic pain and glaucoma, as you note, they are not 'one-trick.' I'm not sure they have completely embraced the fact that they are now public--getting information in the past meant tracking Mark Brann (CSO) down in CA or Denmark, and often not getting anywhere. Uli Hacksell (CEO) is more accessible, but it's still got that 'privately held', somewhat reclusive feel. That is of course better than the many companies that are willing to bare their souls when they have nothing worth seeing.
Harry
NeuroInvestment |
