MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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
http://www.memorypharma.com.
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.
SOURCE Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp.
-0- 12/07/2006
/CONTACT: Michael Smith, Vice President, Business Development,
+1-201-802-7101; or Lilian Stern, Stern Investor Relations, Inc.,
+1-212-362-1200/
/Web site: http://www.memorypharma.com /
(MEMY)
CO: Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp.
ST: New Jersey
IN: MTC HEA BIO
SU: TRI TDS
LD
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1633 12/07/2006 06:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com
