SAN DIEGO, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of a drug candidate under a GPCR-focused partnership with Arena to develop compounds to treat psychiatric disorders. The drug candidate is a novel oral compound intended for the treatment of a common psychiatric disorder.
“We are very happy to see our long-standing partner, Taisho, effectively continue its efforts under our existing collaboration. We look forward to the Phase 1 results and the continued progress of this program,” stated Jack Lief, Arena’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Under an amended agreement with Taisho, which was initially executed in May of 2000 to research a number of different GPCR targets of interest to Taisho, Taisho is responsible for development and commercialization of the drug candidate. Arena is entitled to a low single digit royalty on any product revenues received by Taisho from the sale of the drug candidate. If Taisho out-licenses the drug candidate, Arena is entitled to receive additional payments after Taisho recovers expenses associated with the research and development of the GPCR-focused projects. Arena is not entitled to any further milestone payments under the partnership.
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 the treatment of obesity. 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 Pharmaceutical, 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 the continuation of the collaboration between Arena and Taisho and efforts thereunder; the progress of a Phase 1 clinical trial program under such collaboration, including future results, activities and related payments; the therapeutic, commercial and other potential of the compound in such clinical trial program; and other statements about Arena’s outlook, 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, clinical trials and studies may not proceed at the time or in the manner Arena expects or at all, the results of clinical trials or preclinical studies may not be predictive of future results, Arena’s ability to partner lorcaserin, APD125, APD791 or other of its compounds or programs, the timing, success and cost of Arena’s research, out-licensing endeavors and clinical trials, Arena’s ability to obtain additional financing, Arena’s ability to obtain and defend its patents, the timing and receipt of payments and fees, if any, from Arena’s collaborators, and Arena’s ability to redeem with common stock any outstanding shares of its series B convertible preferred stock. 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 CEO, or David Walsey, Director,
Corporate Communications, both of Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
+1-858-453-7200, ext. 1682; or media relations, Mary Claire Duch of
WeissComm Partners, +1-212-301-7228, for Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Web site: http://www.arenapharm.com/
