Cross-Post from SCHIZOPHRENIA LISTSERV
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Author  : Mike Miller <[log in to unmask]>
Subject : schizophrenia gene study: conflict of interest?
Written : 02/02/97.06:26pm

Aside from Freedman's exaggerations, two things I noticed in the news gave
me reason to suspect that he might have a conflict of interest.  There is
at least an appearance of such.  These two paragraphs are from the
Associated Press report of 20 Jan 1997:

          Still, "it's an important step forward" that points to a
       potential new target for drug therapy, Gershon said.
          Indeed, while Freedman is searching for the mutation, he has
       begun working with drug companies to find treatments that target
       this receptor.

The appended article is a PR announcement of SIBIA Neurosciences, released
the day after the schizophrenia study was published.  According to the
report, SIBIA currently has collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company,
Ciba (Novartis) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.  I don't know if
Freedman has any connection with any of these companies.  He might even be
working as an unpaid volunteer with no stock options or holdings.

I am not accusing anyone of anything.  I'm just pointing out that things
I've read make it appear that there may be a conflict of interest.  I have
no reason to suspect that such a conflict, if it existed, would have had
any influence on the study or reports thereof.

Mike

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    SIBIA Neurosciences Issued Patent on Nicotinic Receptor Compound,
            SIB-1508Y, and its use in Treating Parkinson's Disease
                                      -----------------------------
    LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc.
(Nasdaq-NNM: SIBI) today announced that it has been issued U.S. Patent No.
5,594,011 on a series of compounds, including its lead compound SIB-1508Y,
that modulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.  The patent provides
coverage for the composition of the compounds as well as their use for
treating Parkinson's disease.
    SIB-1508Y, and the broader series of compounds, represent one of
several new classes of compounds discovered by SIBIA that target specific
human receptor subtypes in the brain.  These receptor subtypes modulate
communications between nerve cells and play a key role in a variety of
neurological disorders.  SIB-1508Y is selective for certain nicotinic
acetylcholine receptor subtypes that regulate the release of dopamine and
acetylcholine, both relevant in the deficits caused by Parkinson's disease.
SIBIA plans to commence a Phase I clinical trial of SIB-1508Y under an
Investigational New Drug (IND) application recently filed with the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
    Commenting on the patent, William T. Comer, Ph.D., SIBIA president and
chief executive officer stated, "There is a growing body of scientific
evidence establishing the link between certain nicotinic receptors and a
variety of nervous system disorders, including Parkinson's disease,
Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.  We believe SIBIA has one of the
strongest technology positions relative to nicotinic receptors and ligands,
and the issuance of this patent further establishes our proprietary
position. With this new patent, we now have coverage on both the target
receptor molecules as well as compounds that modulate them."
    SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc. is engaged in the discovery and development
of novel, small molecule therapeutics for central nervous system disorders
based on its unique approach to characterizing the molecular processes
involved in such disorders.  SIBIA is focusing its efforts on developing
compounds for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease,
stroke, head trauma, epilepsy, chronic pain, schizophrenia and other
disorders.  The Company currently has collaborations with Eli Lilly and
Company, Ciba (Novartis) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. As a result, actual results could differ
materially from those discussed herein.  These risks and uncertainties
include SIBIA's early stage of development, the new and uncertain state of
SIBIA's technologies, SIBIA's future capital needs and the uncertainty of
receiving additional funding, uncertainties regarding patents, proprietary
rights and regulatory matters, and other research, development and market
risks.  These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully set forth in
SIBIA's Prospectus included in its Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed
in connection with its initial public offering, as well as in SIBIA's most
recently filed Form 1O-Q.

SOURCE  Sibia Neurosciences Inc.
    -0-                             01/22/97
    /CONTACT: Michael J. Dunn, Vice President, Business Development of
Sibia Neurosciences, 619-452-5892/
    (SIBI)

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