Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces the Presentation of Lorcaserin Phase 3 BLOOM Data
- Late-Breaking Abstract Accepted -
SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that a late-breaking abstract of its lorcaserin Phase 3 BLOOM (Behavioral modification and Lorcaserin for Overweight and Obesity Management) trial has been accepted for a poster presentation at the American Diabetes Association's 69th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, Louisiana. The abstract, titled "Lorcaserin Reduces Body Weight in Obese and Overweight Subjects: Behavioral Modification and Lorcaserin for Overweight and Obesity Management, the BLOOM Trial," will be displayed from June 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) until June 8, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. CDT in the Morial Convention Center, Hall E. The poster has been assigned presentation number 96-LB in category 20-B Obesity - Clinical Treatment.
Steven R. Smith, M.D., BLOOM Co-Principal Investigator and Professor and Assistant Director for Clinical Research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center; William R. Shanahan, M.D., Arena's Vice President and Chief Medical Officer; and Christen M. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., Arena's Vice President, Clinical Development, will be available at the poster to discuss and address questions during two periods:
- Sunday, June 7, 2009: 6:30-7:45 p.m. CDT
- Monday, June 8, 2009: 12:00-2:00 p.m. CDT
About Lorcaserin
Lorcaserin is a novel single agent that represents the first in a new class of selective serotonin 2C receptor agonists. The serotonin 2C receptor is located in areas of the brain involved in the control of appetite and metabolism, such as the hypothalamus. Stimulation of this receptor is strongly associated with feeding behavior and satiety. Lorcaserin is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 program expected to enroll approximately 7,800 patients and potentially represents a targeted treatment option for the millions of patients who need to better manage their weight. Arena has patents that cover lorcaserin in the US and other jurisdictions, which in most cases are capable of continuing into 2023 without taking into account any patent term extensions or other exclusivity Arena might obtain.
About Arena Pharmaceuticals
Arena is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral drugs in four major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, central nervous system, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Arena's most advanced drug candidate, lorcaserin, is being investigated in a Phase 3 clinical trial program for weight management. Arena's broad pipeline of novel compounds target G protein-coupled receptors, an important class of validated drug targets, and includes compounds being evaluated independently and with partners, including Merck & Co., Inc., and Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Arena Pharmaceuticals(R) and Arena(R) are registered service marks of the company. "APD" is an abbreviation for Arena Pharmaceuticals Development.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include statements about lorcaserin's potential to be the first in a new class of agonists or treatment option; lorcaserin's selectivity; enrollment in the lorcaserin Phase 3 program; lorcaserin's patent coverage; and Arena's strategy, internal and partnered programs, and ability to develop compounds and commercialize drugs. For such statements, Arena claims the protection of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual events or results may differ materially from Arena's expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Arena's ability to obtain additional funds; the timing, success and cost of Arena's lorcaserin program and other of its research and development programs; results of clinical trials or preclinical studies may not be predictive of future results; clinical trials and studies may not proceed at the time or in the manner Arena expects or at all; Arena's ability to partner lorcaserin or other of its compounds or programs; the timing and ability of Arena to receive regulatory approval for its drug candidates; Arena's ability to obtain and defend its patents; and the timing and receipt of payments and fees, if any, from Arena's collaborators. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by Arena's forward-looking statements are disclosed in Arena's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements represent Arena's judgment as of the time of this release. Arena disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as may be required under applicable law.
CONTACT: Jack Lief, President and Chief Executive Officer, or Cindy McGee,
Senior Communications Associate, both of Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
+1-858-453-7200, ext. 1479
Web site: http://www.arenapharm.com/