H. Lundbeck A/S has decided to investigate Lu AA34893 for the treatment of bipolar disorder

COPENHAGEN, Denmark | February 18, 2008 | H. Lundbeck A/S has decided to investigate Lu AA34893 for the treatment of bipolar disorder. The decision is based on positive pre-clinical results as well as positive conclusion of the phase I trials in healthy individuals.

Bipolar disorder is a serious, life-long disorder, in which patients suffer from episodes of depression (lows) alternated with episodes of mania or hypomania (highs). This mood disorder usually starts early in life and has a significant impact on the lives and relatives of the patients.

The first patients in a 600-patient Phase II study have now been enrolled. The study will investigate the effects of Lu AA34893 on the depressive episodes in bipolar disorder and its potential to prevent occurrence of mania.

Lu AA34893 was selected as a development candidate based on its convincing effect in preclinical animal models suggesting a potential to improve the treatment of mood disorder. The mechanism of action for Lu AA34893 incorporates a number of monoaminergic systems and includes allosteric effects. Thus, the compound has a potential profile that is superior to other treatments currently used in bipolar disorders.

"Lu AA34893 belongs to a new generation of psychotropics with a strong potential to show long-term effective mood stabilisation and thereby prevention of long-term disability in patients suffering from bipolar disorder. This study marks the first entry into bipolar disorder for Lundbeck and if successful, Lu AA34893 will provide a completely new approach to treat the needs of patients with bipolar disorder", said Senior Vice President Anders Gersel Pedersen, head of Development at Lundbeck. "We are very pleased with the fact that Lundbeck's development pipeline never has been as broad based as is the case today."

About Lu AA34893

The in vitro pharmacological profile of the compound shows that the compound combines potent effects on several serotonin receptors and serotonin transporter proteins.

The content of this release have no influence on the Lundbeck Group's financial result for 2007 being presented on 4 March 2008. On the same occasion Lundbeck will present the expectations for the financial result for 2008.

About Lundbeck

H. Lundbeck A/S is an international pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development, production, marketing and sale of drugs for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. In 2006, the company's revenue was DKK 9.2 billion (approximately EUR 1.2 billion or USD 1.6 billion). The number of employees is approximately 5,300 globally. For further information, please visit www.lundbeck.com

SOURCE: LUNDBECK

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