BioTie Therapies Corp. Advances Clinical Program for SYN120 With Imaging Study at Johns Hopkins University Center of Excellence

TURKU, FINLAND--(Marketwire - July 25, 2011) - Biotie today announced the start of a Phase 1 clinical study using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to investigate brain concentrations of SYN120, a potential treatment for cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

The trial of healthy volunteers is being conducted by Dr Dean Wong at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the United States to determine occupancy of the 5-HT6 receptor in the brain following different doses of SYN120. This will help to establish the appropriate dose for subsequent Phase 2 trials.

"This is an important step in our development program for SYN120, which we believe is a potential best-in-class compound targeting the 5HT6 receptor with significant potential to help patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other diseases affecting cognition," commented Dr Stephen Bandak, Biotie's Chief Medical Officer. "We are particularly pleased to collaborate with the leading PET center for this type of research in the United States."

Results from the study are expected in the first half of 2012.

About SYN120

SYN120 is a potent, selective and orally bioavailable 5HT6 receptor antagonist, exclusively targeting regions in the brain associated with memory function. SYN120 has been shown to enhance cognition in various preclinical models.

The compound was discovered at Roche and is being developed by Biotie under a licensing agreement. SYN120 has completed single and multiple-ascending dose studies in Phase 1. Roche retains an opt-in right on the 5HT6 program on completion of the imaging study.

Turku, 25 July 2011

Biotie Therapies Corp.

Timo Veromaa
President and CEO

Distribution:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd
Main Media

About Biotie Therapies

Biotie is a specialized drug development company focused on the development of drugs for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug dependence) and inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and others). It has several innovative small molecule and biological drug candidates at different stages of clinical development. Biotie's products address diseases with high unmet medical need and significant market potential.

Partnerships with top-tier pharmaceutical partners are in place for several programs as well as a strategic collaboration with UCB Pharma S.A. Biotie's most advanced product, nalmefene for alcohol dependence, has completed Phase 3 clinical development by licensing partner H. Lundbeck A/S.

Biotie shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.