Memory Pharmaceuticals
Corp. (Nasdaq: MEMY) today announced that it had presented new preclinical
data for its lead compounds, MEM 3454 and MEM 1003, at the American College
of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) Annual Meeting, held in Hollywood,
Florida, from December 3-7, 2006.
The new MEM 3454 data were presented during the "Hot Topics" portion of
the meeting and in two poster presentations. These results define dose-
response relationships and minimally effective doses in microdialysis
measurements of dopamine and acetylcholine release in rat medial prefrontal
cortex and hippocampus. The preclinical data also demonstrate that MEM 3454
has an additive effect on both dopamine and acetylcholine release when
combined with the atypical antipsychotic risperidone. Consistent with
previously released preclinical and clinical data, these new data provide
further support that MEM 3454 may be an effective treatment for cognitive
impairment associated with schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, and may
be a useful adjunct to antipsychotic therapy.
"Our understanding of the impact of enhancing dopamine and
acetylcholine function in key brain regions is such that it is reasonable
to expect MEM 3454 could be of significant benefit in a wide range of
neuropsychiatric disorders," commented Herbert Meltzer, M.D., of Vanderbilt
University. "This, of course, has to be established through further
clinical trials," continued Dr. Meltzer, who generated some of the new data
on MEM 3454 and presented it at the ACNP meeting on behalf of Memory
Pharmaceuticals.
In addition to presenting the new preclinical data on MEM 3454, the
Company also summarized previously released preclinical and clinical data.
These clinical data demonstrate that MEM 3454 at a dose of 15 mg
administered once per day had a statistically significant positive effect
on cognition (as measured by the Cognitive Drug Research battery) in
healthy individuals during a two week multiple dose study. Memory
Pharmaceuticals intends to begin a Phase 2a study of MEM 3454 in
Alzheimer's disease in early 2007.
The new MEM 1003 data, presented in a poster presentation, demonstrate
this drug candidate's potential to improve cognition in a genetic mouse
model for Alzheimer's disease. The presentation also highlighted other
preclinical data from the MEM 1003 program, including electrophysiology
data, which suggest that the CNS selectivity of MEM 1003 might be explained
by the voltage dependence of its action at calcium channels. Phase 1
clinical data demonstrating the safety and tolerability of single and
multiple doses of MEM 1003 were also presented. Memory Pharmaceuticals is
currently conducting Phase 2a studies of MEM 1003 in Alzheimer's disease
and bipolar mania.
"Both MEM 3454 and MEM 1003 continue to produce preclinical and
clinical data supporting the potential for their use as treatments for
diseases associated with cognitive impairment," said David A. Lowe, PhD,
Chief Scientific Officer of Memory Pharmaceuticals. "We are eager to see
the results of our proof-of-concept trials for both of these compounds."
About MEM 3454 and MEM 1003
MEM 3454 is a partial agonist of the nicotinic alpha-7 receptor which
is a highly specialized receptor found in the central nervous system.
Compounds acting on this receptor could be beneficial in the treatment of
Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, as well as other psychiatric and
neurological disorders.
MEM 1003 is a calcium channel blocker that is thought to work by
modulating calcium concentrations inside cells. Disruption of calcium
homeostasis has been shown to be a factor in a number of neurological and
psychiatric diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and bipolar disorder.
About the Company
Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp., a biopharmaceutical company, is focused
on developing innovative drugs for the treatment of debilitating CNS
disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression and
bipolar disorder. For additional information, please visit our website at memorypharma.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are
subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements
of historical facts, regarding management's expectations, beliefs, goals,
plans or Memory Pharmaceuticals' prospects, future financial position,
future revenues and projected costs should be considered forward-looking.
Readers are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from
projections or estimates due to a variety of important factors, including
the risks and uncertainties associated with: obtaining additional financing
to support Memory Pharmaceuticals' R&D and clinical activities and
operations; conducting preclinical and clinical trials of Memory
Pharmaceuticals' drug candidates that demonstrate these candidates' safety
and effectiveness; obtaining regulatory approvals to conduct clinical
trials and to commercialize Memory Pharmaceuticals' drug candidates; Memory
Pharmaceuticals' ability to enter into and maintain collaborations with
third parties for its drug development programs; Memory Pharmaceuticals'
dependence on its collaborations and its license relationship with Bayer;
achieving milestones under Memory Pharmaceuticals' collaborations; Memory
Pharmaceuticals' dependence on third- party preclinical or clinical
research organizations, manufacturers and consultants; and protecting the
intellectual property developed by or licensed to Memory Pharmaceuticals.
These and other risks are described in greater detail in Memory
Pharmaceuticals' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Memory Pharmaceuticals may not actually achieve the goals or plans
described in its forward-looking statements, and investors should not place
undue reliance on these statements. Memory Pharmaceuticals disclaims any
intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result
of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
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