Euthymics develops novel triple reuptake inhibitors optimized for specific indications. Its lead product candidate EB-1010 for major depression is a serotonin-preferring triple. Euthymics plans to initiate a phase 2b/3a clinical trial of EB-1010 in major depression in the first half of 2011. The company’s second development candidate EB-1020 is a norepinephrine and dopamine-preferring triple reuptake inhibitor that combines the pharmacology of the two most relevant brain chemicals for the treatment of ADHD in a single molecule. Research suggests this profile could be optimal for the treatment of adult ADHD while avoiding the drug abuse liability of stimulants. Euthymics will use the expanded series A investment for GMP manufacturing of EB-1020, to conduct a full GLP preclinical program and to initiate a large phase 1 program to enable further human testing.
“I have worked with EB-1020 in our validated animal model of ADHD,” said Frank Tarazi, PhD, MBA, Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School and Director, Psychiatric Neuroscience Program, McLean Division of Massachusetts General Hospital. "In our recent study, EB-1020 was as effective as methylphenidate (Ritalin®) in reducing the ADHD-like behavioral hyperactivity in this animal model, a model that has predictive validity for ADHD in people."
“We are encouraged by top-line data we have just seen with EB-1020 in the definitive animal model of ADHD, and we are pleased to have the continued support of our series A investors, who see the promise of an effective, yet non-addicting treatment for adults with this condition,” said Anthony A. McKinney, President and CEO of Euthymics. “Key members of our leadership team were involved in the development of the first non-stimulant developed for ADHD, so we have the experience and the network to optimize the development of EB-1020. We expect the full preclinical program could support filing an IND for EB-1020 by early 2012.”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD causes significant impairment in adults, resulting in difficulty functioning, underachievement in school and at work, and poor social and family relations. ADHD affects approximately 10 million adult Americans (about 4 1/2 percent of the population). However, only approximately one in 10 patients is treated, partially because of concerns about administering an addicting stimulant drug to adults. With EB-1020, norepinephrine is believed to help with focus, while the increased dopamine is believed to improve problem solving capabilities. The dopamine may also lead to a faster speed-of-onset.
About Euthymics Bioscience
Euthymics Bioscience, Inc. is a neuroscience-focused clinical-stage company developing next-generation treatments for central nervous system disorders. The company’s lead product candidate, EB-1010 for depression, is a triple reuptake inhibitor that acts on serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in a specific ratio and is given as monotherapy (a single capsule). EB-1010 has demonstrated proof-of-concept efficacy as treatment for major depression without causing weight gain or loss of sexual function, which often lead to poor adherence to standard antidepressants. Euthymics plans to initiate TRIADE (Triple Reuptake Inhibitor Anti-Depressant Effects), a large multicenter phase 2b/3a clinical trial of EB-1010 in major depression, in the first half of 2011.
Euthymics is also developing a second triple reuptake inhibitor, EB-1020, which is in late-stage preclinical research for adult ADHD. EB-1020 preferentially affects norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake with a small amount of serotonin reuptake inhibition, optimized with the intent to treat ADHD without the risk of drug abuse liability.
Euthymics is a private corporation with headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Additional information can be found on the company’s website at www.euthymics.com.
Contact:
Euthymics Bioscience, Inc. Anthony A. McKinney, 617-758-0300 or Media: BioCom Partners Stephen Gendel, 310-878-4652
