 |
 |
Complimentary IBM DB2 Fast Start Conference! SIBIA Neurosciences Commences Phase I Clinical Trials in Parkinson's Disease With Its Proprietary Compound Targeting Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Source: PR Newswire LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ via Individual Inc. -- SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq NNM: SIBI) today announced that it has commenced under a U.S. IND a Phase I clinical trial in Parkinson's disease with SIB-1508Y, the Company's proprietary neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. The trial will evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of SIB-1508Y in a rising dose study of healthy male volunteers under both fasted and fed conditions. Based on the results of this study, SIBIA plans to conduct Phase II studies to evaluate the compound's effect on motor and cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease patients. SIB-1508Y is one of several new classes of compounds discovered by SIBIA that are selective for specific human receptor/ion channel subtypes in the brain. These receptor subtypes modulate communication between nerve cells and play a key role in a variety of neurological disorders. Since SIB-1508Y exhibits subtype-selective activity, SIBIA believes the compound could be more effective and have fewer side effects than existing drugs. SIB-1508Y acts at certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes that regulate the release of dopamine and acetylcholine neutotransmitters, both relevant in the deficits caused by Parkinson's disease. A deficiency of dopamine in specific brain regions has been shown to be a major factor in the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease, which has traditionally been viewed as a disorder of motor function. It is now recognized that cognitive deficits, including difficulties in planning and abstract thinking, are also seen in Parkinson's patients, and acetylcholine is presumed to be important to these aspects of the disease. In pre-clinical animal models of Parkinson's disease, SIB-1508Y has demonstrated a positive effect on both motor and cognitive deficits. Based on these studies, SIBIA believes SIB-1508Y may offer a new treatment paradigm for Parkinson's disease, with distinct advantages over currently available therapies that only address the motor deficits of this disorder. Commenting on the announcement, SIBIA President and CEO William T. Comer, Ph.D., stated, "The commencement of human clinical trials with our lead compound for Parkinson's disease is an important milestone for SIBIA. While we have successfully demonstrated the desired effects on both motor and cognitive deficits in animal models, our goal now will be to demonstrate the safety, then the efficacy. of the compound in humans. SIB-1508Y is the first selective nicotinic agonist being evaluated in Parkinson's patients, and we believe that this novel mechanistic approach will provide significant benefits to patients." SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc. is engaged in the discovery and development of novel, small molecule therapeutics for treating disorders of the nervous system 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, Novartis (formerly CIBA-GEIGY Limited) 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. /CONTACT: Michael J. Dunn, Vice President, Business Development or Thomas A. Reed, Vice President, Finance & Administration, and CFO, both of SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc., 619-452-5892/ (SIBI) CO: SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc. ST: California IN: MTC SU: PDT MZ-CW -- LATU037 -- 2010 02/18/97 07:01 EST http://www.prnewswire.com [02-18-97 at 12:00 EST, PR Newswire] >