HAMBURG, Germany, Oct. 27, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evotec AG (Nasdaq:EVTC) (Frankfurt:EVT) announced today encouraging results of a Phase I safety study investigating the potential interaction of EVT 302, a reversible and highly selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) in development for smoking cessation, with tyramine. The study was undertaken to determine potential safety advantages of EVT 302 versus non-selective MAO inhibitors and less selective MAO-B inhibitors already on the market. These MAO inhibitors are known to interact with tyramine, a natural constituent of some drinks or food such as red wine, cheese or chocolate. In extreme cases, the interaction can dangerously elevate blood pressure. As a result, some agents require patients to adhere to strict dietary restrictions to prevent the intake of food containing high levels of tyramine.
