LifeSci Advisors Initiates Coverage of Alcobra

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - September 23, 2013) - LifeSci Advisors, LLC, a leading provider of investment research and investor relations services in the life sciences sector, today announced that it has initiated coverage of Alcobra Ltd. (NASDAQ: ADHD), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing MG01CI, an oral, extended-release, non-stimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Alcobra completed a successful Phase IIb trial of MG01CI (Metadoxine extended release) in adult ADHD patients that demonstrated strong efficacy, especially in patients with predominantly inattentive ADHD (PI-ADHD). Phase III trials in the US are expected in 2013, with a potential initial approval in 2015, followed by label expansion into the pediatric population and other indications. Alcobra also recently announced pre-clinical data demonstrating the potential of MG01CI to treat Fragile X Syndrome.

“Alcobra’s MG01CI, a potential non-stimulant treatment for ADHD, addresses a large unmet medical need for ADHD patients,” said Andrew I. McDonald, Ph.D., Founding Partner at LifeSci Advisors. “A safe and effective alternative to current therapies with a differentiated mechanism of action such as MG01CI has the potential to capture a large market share and become a blockbuster treatment for ADHD.”

The Phase IIb trial of MG01CI in adult ADHD patients was a double blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 120 patients who were randomized to receive either 1,400 mg of MG01CI daily or corresponding placebo for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was a difference between the arms on the Investigator Rated Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS-INV). Secondary measurements included the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), Adult ADHD Quality of Life (AAQoL), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale Improvement (CGI-I) score. Patients treated with MG01CI in the trial experienced a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint of CAARS-INV total ADHD symptoms score (p=0.02). MG01CI was statistically superior to placebo on improvements in TOVA score (p=0.02) and AAQoL score (p=0.01). The treatment effect was observed as early as 2 weeks, indicating a rapid onset of action for MG01CI, which is in contrast to atomoxetine, which can take six to ten weeks to begin working. The trial also revealed that MG01CI was well tolerated.

One of the key observations from the Phase IIb trial was stronger efficacy in patients with PI-ADHD. As a result, Alcobra is running a small Phase II trial to determine the best dose of MG01CI for these patients. The Company is also in discussions with the FDA for a US-based Phase III clinical program in adult ADHD patients. Following a potential approval of MG01CI for adult ADHD patients, the Company intends to seek label expansion into the pediatric population. MG01CI is also a potential treatment for Fragile X Syndrome.

In a 40 page Initiation Report by LifeSci Advisors, we explain the development path going forward for MG01CI as a treatment for adult ADHD patients, with potential expansion into the pediatric population. Alcobra is also planning to develop MG01CI as a treatment for Fragile X Syndrome. The report discusses the competitive advantages of MG01CI over ADHD treatments and how these position the drug within the marketplace. We discuss the landscape for ADHD treatment, including mechanisms of action, side effects, and historical sales. The report details the mechanism of action, clinical history, intellectual property portfolio, and future development plans for MG01CI.

Dr. McDonald’s full Initiation Report is available to download at no cost at the LifeSci Advisors website, www.lifesciadvisors.com. In addition to this Initiation Report, LifeSci Advisors will also provide ongoing coverage and event-based research updates on the Company as developments occur.

The LifeSci Advisors research team is led by Dr. Andrew I. McDonald, an industry veteran with more than 15 years of healthcare industry experience. Prior to co-founding LSA, Dr. McDonald was the Senior Biotechnology Analyst at Great Point Partners, a leading health care investment firm with over $500 million under management. Before Great Point, he was Co-Head of Healthcare Research and Lead Biotechnology Analyst at ThinkEquity Partners, a boutique investment banking firm focused on growth companies. Dr. McDonald holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and, earlier in his career, worked as a medicinal chemist at both Pfizer and Cytokinetics.

About LifeSci Advisors:
LifeSci Advisors (LSA) is a leading research firm and communications consultancy dedicated to the life sciences industry. The firm provides strategic counsel, customized marketing communications, comprehensive research reports and investor relations services to companies that specialize in the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs, drug delivery systems, medical devices and diagnostics. To learn more about LSA, visit the company’s website, www.lifesciadvisors.com.

Important Disclosures:

The research report described in this press release is not intended as an offering, recommendation, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. The securities discussed in LSA research reports may be unsuitable for some investors depending on their specific investment objectives, financial status, risk profile, or particular needs. Investors should consider LSA reports as only a single factor in making their investment decisions and should not rely solely on these reports in evaluating whether or not to buy or sell the securities of the subject company. LifeSci Advisors has been compensated by the company that is the subject of the report described and future research reports, investor relations services, and general consulting services. Please read each report’s full disclosures and analyst background on the LSA website, www.lifesciadvisors.com, before investing. LifeSci Advisors is not a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer.

Forward-looking statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent LSA’s judgment as of the date of this release. LifeSci Advisors disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.