Update on Vernalis 5-HT2C obesity programme
30 July 2002
Vernalis Group plc ('Vernalis' LSE: VER) today gave an update on its collaboration on obesity with Roche. The programme focuses on novel and highly selective 5-HT2C receptor agonists that target the mechanism of appetite control.
A series of drug candidates are being progressed and the first of these, VR1065, entered Phase I clinical trials earlier this year. After reviewing the pharmacokinetic data from this study, Vernalis and Roche have decided not to continue with the additional Phase I studies planned for this compound and to concentrate on progressing other compounds from the collaboration.
The pharmacokinetic data have provided valuable insights and the project team will now focus on a number of further potential drug candidates that have already been identified from the substantial 5-HT2C library generated by thecollaboration. Additional resources have been allocated to accelerate the progression of these compounds.
In February 2002, Roche and Vernalis announced a new agreement that extended the duration of their obesity collaboration for a further two years. This agreement included new funding to identify a number of additional product candidates and increased milestone and royalties to reflect the significant market potential of the obesity field.
Dr John Hutchison, Senior Vice President of Development at Vernalis commented: "We and our partner Roche are working closely together on this important programme to progress one of our earlier compounds into the clinic as rapidly as possible. Both companies remain very committed to delivering a commercial return from this exciting novel approach to the obesity epidemic".
----ends----
