ROYSTON, England, March 12, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Pharmagene plc (LSE:PGN) today announced that it has been granted a UK patent for a potential novel migraine treatment. The company also reported progress in its Indication Switch approach to the development of new therapeutic products.
Pharmagene has received notification from the UK patent office that its patent (GB 2341799; Medicaments for the treatment of primary headache disorders and drug-induced headaches for the treatment of migraine) has been granted. This patent highlights the potential application of a group of compounds known as EP4 antagonists as a novel approach to the treatment of this important condition. Equivalent patents are pending in other territories worldwide. This research program remains at an early stage.
Pharmagene also announced the publication of its international patent application (WO 01/08668; Use of 2-amino-4-(4-fluoronaphth-1-yl)-6-isopropylpyrimidine in the treatment of g.i. disorders) which describes a novel and unanticipated potential application of a compound for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The compound concerned has previously been investigated for the treatment of an alternative indication. The patent application covers the use of the compound for IBS in Europe and certain other non-U.S. countries. This represents a key step in the exemplification of Pharmagene's Indication Switch approach, which combines Pharmagene's in-house capabilities to identify novel indications for existing compounds.
Alastair Riddell, CEO of Pharmagene, commented: "I am very encouraged to report solid progress in our efforts to protect value in our early stage therapeutic programs. We are building good momentum in our own drug discovery efforts in order to generate long-term shareholder value. This complements the revenue generating efforts in other parts of our business. I am especially pleased to report progress with our Indication Switch model, a concept which has the potential to deliver huge value to the pharmaceutical industry."
Founded in 1996, Pharmagene is a human tissue-based business serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. It is dedicated to improving the efficiency of the drug discovery and development process. Pharmagene has three inter-dependent business offerings, PhaseZERO(TM), Data Products (formerly known as Pharmabase) and Pharmagene Therapeutics. Further information on Pharmagene can be found at www.pharmagene.com.