Newron Pharmaceuticals Release: New Safinamide Patent Granted by European Patent Office (EPO)
The patent relates to methods for treating Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) through the administration of Newron’s compound.
Safinamide is currently in phase III development by Merck Serono and Newron as an add-on therapy to dopamine agonists as well as to levodopa for patients with Parkinson’s disease, while no clinical studies are currently ongoing in RLS. Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, has exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize safinamide in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other therapeutic applications, as per the agreement signed with Newron in 2006.
Dr. Marco Caremi, Newron’s Vice President Strategic Marketing and Head of Legal Affairs, said: “This decision confirms Newron’s IP strategy to pursue the protection of the compounds stemming from its pipeline and thus increase their commercial potential.”
About Newron Pharmaceuticals
Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. (www.newron.com) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on novel therapies for diseases of the Central Nervous System and pain. Newron is undertaking phase III trials with safinamide for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in conjunction with its partner, Merck Serono, which has exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the compound in PD, Alzheimer´s disease, and other therapeutic applications (including Restless Legs Syndrome, with a prevalence of up to 10 % of the population). Newron recently reported excellent results for its compound ralfinamide in patients with Nerve Compression and Entrapment conditions, of which neuropathic low back pain (NLBP) represents the most common indication. There are no approved drugs for the treatment of NLBP. The Company expects to commence a phase IIb/III in NLBP later in 2008. In May 2008, Newron acquired Hunter-Fleming, a private UK bio-pharmaceutical company developing new medicines to treat neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. Newron is headquartered in Bresso, near Milan, Italy. The company is listed at SIX Swiss Exchange, trading symbol NWRN.