"This research term extension clearly signifies the commitment Ortho-McNeil has made to this program and the considerable promise it holds for providing a novel oral diabetes treatment," commented Jack Lief, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arena. "We are pleased to continue working closely with Ortho-McNeil and look forward to reporting Phase 1 clinical results from the lead candidate, APD668, in the coming months."
About the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Receptor (GDIR)
The GDIR is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, or GPCR, discovered by Arena and expressed in beta cells, which are cells in the pancreas that produce insulin in response to increases in blood glucose. APD668 is a novel, highly potent and orally active GDIR agonist intended to more efficiently stimulate insulin release by beta cells in response to elevated blood glucose levels, and to also avoid hypoglycemia.
Unlike the GLP-1 receptor, another beta-cell receptor that modulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, the GDIR is amenable to small molecule, orally active, drug development. Arena has discovered potent, selective and orally available small molecule agonists of the GDIR that improve glucose tolerance and lower blood glucose levels in preclinical models of diabetes. The GDIR mechanism is glucose dependent: in preclinical studies, GDIR agonists only lowered blood glucose when it rose above normal levels, such as after a meal. Therefore, unlike the glucose-insensitive sulfonylureas, Arena's GDIR agonists are not expected to lower normal fasting blood glucose levels or cause hypoglycemia. In addition, GDIR stimulation has been found to increase the levels and activity of intracellular factors thought to be involved in the preservation of beta cells.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a major worldwide disease. The International Diabetes Foundation estimated that, in 2005, there were 194 million adults with diabetes worldwide, an increase of over 40% since 1995. Approximately 90% of diabetics, or 175 million people, suffer from Type 2 diabetes, the adult-onset form of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by inadequate response to insulin and/or inadequate secretion of insulin as blood glucose levels rise. Therapies for Type 2 diabetes are directed toward correcting the body's inadequate response with oral and injectable medications, or directly modifying insulin levels by injection of insulin or insulin analogs. The worldwide market for diabetes medications exceeded $10 billion and oral anti-diabetes drugs exceeded $6 billion in 2004.
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 product candidate, lorcaserin, is being investigated in a Phase 3 clinical trial program for the treatment of obesity. Arena's broad pipeline of novel compounds targeting G protein- coupled receptors, an important class of validated drug targets, includes compounds being evaluated for other serious diseases and disorders independently and with our partners, Merck & Co., Inc. and Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Arena Pharmaceuticals® and Arena® are registered service marks of the company. CART(TM) is an unregistered service mark 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 with Ortho-McNeil and expected activities and results thereunder, the potential of the GDIR, expectations relating to the tolerability, side effects, efficacy and potential of compounds targeting the GDIR, the reporting of results from the Phase 1 clinical trail of APD668, and other statements about Arena's strategy 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 planned clinical trials and studies may not proceed at the time or in the manner Arena expects or at all; the results of preclinical studies or clinical trials may not be predictive of future results; the timing, success and cost of Arena's research and development; Arena's ability to partner lorcaserin, APD125 or other of its compounds or programs; Arena's ability to obtain additional financing; 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.
Contacts: Jack Lief Carolyn Wang President and CEO WeissComm Partners Media Relations David Walsey 415.946.1065 Director, Corporate Communications Arena Pharmaceuticals 858.453.7200, ext. 1682
www.arenapharm.com
Source: Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
