Addex Announces Issuance of a Broad US Composition of Matter Patent for ADX71441

Addex Therapeutics / Addex Announces Issuance of a Broad US Composition of Matter Patent for ADX71441 . Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ADX71441, a novel oral small molecule positive allosteric modulator of GABA-B receptor, on track for Phase 1 clinical testing in the first half of 2013

Geneva, Switzerland, 22 January 2013 - Addex Therapeutics (SIX:ADXN), a leading company pioneering allosteric modulation-based drug discovery and development, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Addex a composition of matter patent (US Patent 8,344,138) covering ADX71441 and other GABA-B receptor (GABA-BR) positive allosteric modulators (PAM). The claims of the issued patent also cover pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment using such GABA-BR PAMs. ADX71441 has been shown to be efficacious in a number of preclinical models, including in a validated model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1a (CMT1a), a rare hereditary motor and sensory demyelinating peripheral neuropathy.  

"We are pleased that our efforts pioneering the field of allosteric modulation are being validated through the broad issuance of composition of matter and methods claims worldwide," said Bharatt Chowrira, CEO at Addex. "Our intellectual property estate continues to yield key patents protecting novel oral small molecules discovered utilizing our allosteric modulation technology platform. In particular, this new patent significantly enhances the value proposition for our ADX71441 program and we look forward to advancing ADX71441 into Phase 1 in the first half of 2013".

About ADX71441
ADX71441 is a potent, selective, orally available small molecule that is brain penetrant and shows good pharmacokinetic properties for once-daily dosing. Activation of gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype B (GABA-B) receptor, a Family C class of GPCR, is clinically & commercially validated. Generic GABA-B receptor agonist, baclofen, is marketed for spasticity and some spinal cord injuries, and used for overactive bladder (OAB), but is not commonly used due to severe side effects of the drug and rapid clearance. Orthosteric GABA-B receptor agonists have also shown clinical validation in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Addex' GABA-B receptor PAMs have shown efficacy in multiple preclinical models including: CMT1a, OAB, pain, osteoarthritis pain and anxiety.