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Biotech / Medical : Sepracor-Looks very promising -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: sim1 who wrote (1720)	2/9/1999 5:26:00 PM
From: Biomaven	Respond to of 10280

Stuart, Beats me. As I said, I've never been able to figure out the patent situation. CRO has a major partner, whereas CELG has only partnered in Canada. CELG seems to be further along in US trials. My guess is that they will both go for time-release versions, which will further muddy the waters. Here's the discussion from CELG's 1997 10-K: The Company filed IND applications with the FDA and the Health Protection Branch of Canada and initiated a Phase I/II clinical trial for a chirally pure version of dl-methylphenidate ("dl-MPH"), which has been used for decades in formulations such as Ritalin for the treatment of ADHD in children. One million American children are estimated to be treated with dl-MPH in its racemic form. Total U.S. sales in 1997 of the racemic version of the drug were approximately $400 million. The Company's study was designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and potential benefits of its chirally pure version of dl-MPH. The Company completed this trial in the fall of 1997 and announced that its chirally pure version of dl-MPH demonstrated statistically significant efficacy versus a placebo and preliminary indications of longer duration of action relative to the racemic version. In addition, the Company has commenced development of a controlled release version of its chirally pure version of dl-MPH, which may substantially improve administration of the drug. The Company has applied for use and process patents for both its chirally pure and controlled release versions of dl-MPH.