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Targacept, Inc. today announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of AZD3480 (TC-1734) in adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD
Winston-Salem, NC, USA | June 10, 2008 | Targacept, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRGT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as NNR Therapeutics (TM), today announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of AZD3480 (TC-1734) in adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.
“In our previous clinical trials of AZD3480, the compound has demonstrated compelling attentional effects,” said J. Donald deBethizy, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Targacept. “We expect this well-designed pilot study to provide valuable insight that will facilitate future development planning.”
The primary objective of the double blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial is to assess the efficacy of two different dose strengths of AZD3480 in adult subjects diagnosed with ADHD. The crossover trial design provides for each subject to serve as its own control by receiving both dose strengths of AZD3480 as well as placebo, with the treatment periods separated by a washout period. The trial, which is planned to enroll 24 subjects, is being conducted at Fletcher Allen Health Care, an affiliate of the University of Vermont College of Medicine, under the direction of Drs. Paul Newhouse and Alexandra Potter.
Targacept and AstraZeneca are collaborating on the execution of the trial, with Targacept responsible for managing and funding the trial and AstraZeneca responsible for providing the clinical trial materials and communicating with regulatory authorities.
Clinical studies of AZD3480 previously conducted in approximately 540 subjects, including both healthy volunteers and cognitively impaired older adults, indicate the beneficial effects of AZD3480 on cognitive function generally and attention and memory in particular. AZD3480 is currently being evaluated in two Phase 2b clinical trials, one in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (the “Sirocco” trial) and one in cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia (the “HALO” trial). These trials, which are together planned to enroll approximately 925 patients, are being conducted by AstraZeneca and are expected to be completed in the second half of 2008.
About Targacept
Targacept is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops NNR Therapeutics (TM), a new class of drugs for the treatment of central nervous system diseases and disorders. Targacept’s product candidates selectively modulate neuronal nicotinic receptors that serve as key regulators of the nervous system to promote therapeutic effects and limit adverse side effects. Targacept has product candidates in development for Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, pain and depression, as well as multiple preclinical programs. Targacept also has a cognition-focused collaboration with AstraZeneca and a strategic alliance with GlaxoSmithKline. Targacept's news releases are available on its website at www.targacept.com.
SOURCE: Targacept, Inc. |
