Wyeth Parkinson’s drug in-licensed by Neurogen

Neurogen has announced that it has purchased the development and commercialisation rights worldwide to a Wyeth drug candidate for Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome (RLS).

The company will start phase II clinical trials of Aplindore in 2007, after supplies are manufactured. Aplindore is a small molecule partial agonist for the D2 dopamine receptor.

William H Koster, president and chief executive officer of Neurogen, said: “We’re pleased to have in-license a phase II compound with the excellent prospects of Aplindore, in a highly competitive environment for good in-licensing opportunities.”

He added that while the company had its own drug discovery platform that is “outstanding”, Neurogen also was also looking to acquire the appropriate mid-stage drug candidate to support its own compounds.

The company notes that the markets for Parkinson’s and RLS continues to increase and that there is scope for improvements in both reducing side effects and improving dosing routines that could be provided by Aplindore.

Last month, Wyeth announced a joint submission with Solvay Pharmaceutical of a new drug application for the treatment of schizophrenia with the Food and Drug Authority.

The submission of atypical antipsychotic bifeprunox was based on a study involving approximately 2,550 that displayed the safety and efficacy of the compound.