Predix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has begun Phase I clinical trials of a new drug, PRX-07034 for treating obesity and cognitive impairment (associated with Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia). This is Predix’s fourth drug undergoing clinical trials. As with the previous drug candidates, PRX-07034 was developed at the company on the basis of its drug development platform for G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). The company said it expects results of the PRX-07034 Phase I clinical trial by the end of the year.
PRX-07034, an oral pill, influences serotonin in the brain by acting on the human 5-HT6 receptor found mainly in the central nervous system. The company therefore expects the drug to have fewer side effects than existing treatments. Animal trials found that the drug improved the cognitive functioning of brain damaged test animals. For the treatment of obesity, the drug is designed to create the sensation of being sated. Animal trials found that it reduced the quantities of food consumed by test animals, thereby leading to weight loss.
Predix said there was no risk that the molecule would cause anorexia when used to treat cognitive impairment or obesity. Predix founder and CSO Dr. Oren Becker said, “Healthy systems in the body have control mechanisms that would probably prevent these negative side effects.”
Predix is under going a merger with EPIX Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: EPIX). The has three other drugs undergoing clinical trials, include an anxiety treatment in Phase III trials, whose results are due to be released in September; a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in Phase II trials; and a treatment for pulmonary hypertension in Phase IIb trials. In 2007, anxiety treatment is also due to undergo clinical trials for the treatment of depression.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on June 8, 2006
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