AstraZeneca’s AZD3480 progresses in ADHD
pharmafile | July 11, 2009 | News story | Sales and Marketing |Â Â ADHD, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's ADHD, AstraZenecaÂ
AstraZeneca is to progress its AZD3480 (TC-1734) for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has agreed to make a $10 million milestone payment to Targacept, which discovered the drug.
AstraZeneca also confirmed plans to continue development of AZD1446 (TC-6683) for Alzheimer’s disease. AZD1446, which is currently in phase I, was discovered in the parties’ ongoing research collaboration. For Alzheimer’s disease, development of AZD1446 has been prioritized by AstraZeneca over further development of AZD3480. AZD3480 and AZD1446 are selective alpha4beta2 NNR agonists.
“We continue to be enthusiastic about neuronal nicotinic receptors as a promising new mechanism in the treatment of multiple cognitive disorders,” said Bob Holland, Vice President and Head of the Neuroscience Therapy Area, AstraZeneca. “We believe the therapeutic profile of AZD3480, a non-stimulant, may be an important advance for treating patients with ADHD and we also remain positive about the potential of NNR agonists to treat Alzheimer’s disease.”
AstraZeneca has presented Targacept with preliminary plans for a robust development program for AZD3480 in ADHD, including clinical studies to include both younger subjects and adults.
AstraZeneca has agreed to make the $10 million milestone payment described above and Targacept is eligible to receive a lower aggregate milestone stream for AZD3480 if ADHD is the only target indication for which AZD3480 is developed further.
Targacept remains eligible to receive over $100 million if development, regulatory and first commercial sale milestones are achieved for AZD3480 only in ADHD, as well as stepped double-digit royalties on any future sales of AZD3480 in any indication. Targacept also continues to be eligible to receive future payments upon the achievement of milestone events for AZD1446 and royalties on any future sales of AZD1446.
“We appreciate the efforts and dedication of our colleagues at AstraZeneca as we work together to develop and deliver the promise of NNR Therapeutics to patients affected by cognitive disorders like ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease,” said J. Donald deBethizy, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Targacept. “In addition to AZD3480 and AZD1446, we remain enthusiastic about the breadth and pharmacological diversity of our portfolio. With our pipeline, strong alliances and a cash runway that we expect to fund our operations for at least the next two years, we are well positioned to execute our business plan.”
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