RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- CeNeRx BioPharma, Inc., a start up biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new therapeutics for central nervous system disorders, is pleased to announce the addition of Atul C. Pande, MD as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Pande will play a pivotal role in building the CeNeRx product portfolio and leading its research and development program.
Dr. Pande’s broad industry experience includes thirteen years of developing new medicines at Eli Lilly, Parke-Davis, and most recently as vice president, neurosciences development leader at Pfizer. Responsible for the development and implementation of Pfizer’s overall neuroscience strategy including neurology, psychiatry and pain, Dr. Pande also served as Pfizer’s worldwide CNS portfolio leader, supervising one of the industry’s largest neuroscience programs. Dr. Pande led the development of the recently approved Lyrica, a new medicine for the treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Prior to his industry experience, Dr. Pande had a distinguished academic career as a professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School, and he is author of more than 100 scientific publications and posters.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Pande join the CeNeRx team,” noted Barry Brand, CEO of CeNeRx BioPharma. “Atul’s proven track record and leadership in developing important neuroscience products contributes greatly to CeNeRx’s mission of developing medicines for the mind. And his experience with the neuropharm divisions of both U.S. and European regulatory agencies complements our global strategy and therapeutic focus in the areas of depression and central nervous system disorders.”
Dr. Pande stated, “CeNeRx fills a real need, bridging the gap between early discovery and large-scale development. I look forward to bringing my R&D experience to bear on the RIMA series and to develop new medicines that address the unmet needs of patients.”
Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (RIMAs) are not yet available in the U.S., but offer a triple action mechanism by increasing the levels of three key neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) associated with mood, anxiety and somatic disorders. Unlike a similar, earlier class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), RIMA compounds are selective and reversible, which enhances cardiovascular safety.
Clinical studies for the CeNeRx RIMA series are targeted to begin third quarter of 2006. “In contrast to completely unprecedented mechanisms, CeNeRx’s RIMA series of compounds carry a high probability of clinical success,” said Dr. Pande, “because they combine a known and effective anti- depressant mechanism of action along with an improved safety profile as demonstrated in animal studies.”
CeNeRx recently completed an oversubscribed series A financing raising $18.5 million to advance critical R&D and support portfolio development initiatives.
About CeNeRx BioPharma
CeNeRx is a high growth drug development company searching for new and innovative medicines to help healthcare providers and patients enhance positive mental health and conquer neurological diseases. CeNeRx develops medicines to treat diseases related to neurotransmitters and the central nervous system including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. More information about CeNeRx BioPharma can be found at www.cenerx.com.
CeNeRx BioPharma, Inc.
CONTACT: Courtney Mulligan of French-West-Vaughan, +1-919-277-1181
Web site: http://www.cenerx.com//