RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 11, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Icagen, Inc. (Nasdaq:ICGN) today announced the initiation of a Phase II proof-of-concept study of senicapoc, a novel orally available small molecule inhibitor of the KCa3.1 potassium ion channel, in patients with exercise-induced asthma. This study complements an ongoing proof-of-concept study in patients with allergic asthma which the Company initiated during the fourth quarter of 2008.
Seth V. Hetherington, M.D., SVP Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs, stated, "We are pleased to have initiated this second proof-of-concept study of senicapoc in our asthma program. The majority of patients with asthma experience aggravation of symptoms with exercise. Consequently, this study, along with our ongoing study of allergic asthma, will provide meaningful insight into the potential role of senicapoc in the management of this disease."
The double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of senicapoc on pulmonary function in patients with exercise-induced asthma. Approximately 60 patients from 15 clinical research centers in the United States will be randomized (1:1) to receive senicapoc or placebo once a day for four weeks. The primary efficacy analysis is the comparison between treatment arms in the percent change in FEV1, the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second, following exercise. FEV1 is a standard, commonly used test to measure lung function. Results from this study are expected later this year.
P. Kay Wagoner, CEO, added, "The initiation of this trial marks another important milestone for Icagen. During 2009, we are targeting initial data from four proof-of-concept clinical trials, two in our asthma program and two in our epilepsy and neuropathic pain program. We believe that the novel mechanisms represented by each of our clinical stage compounds, senicapoc for asthma and ICA-105665 for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, demonstrate the innovative approaches that we are able to bring to bear as a result of our ion channel drug discovery platform. We look forward to studying the potential of both of our clinical compounds to improve upon currently available therapies through these focused, cost-effective studies."
About Senicapoc
Senicapoc is a potent and selective novel small molecule inhibitor of the potassium ion channel KCa3.1. This drug candidate is taken orally and is being developed for once-a-day dosing for the treatment of asthma. Senicapoc has previously been studied in multiple Phase I and nonclinical studies, including two year carcinogenicity studies. Two separate Phase II proof-of-concept clinical trials of senicapoc as a treatment for asthma are currently ongoing, one focused on allergic asthma and the second focused on exercise induced asthma.
About Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs, or increased reaction of the airways, to various environmental stimuli or triggers. The inflammation results in narrowed, swollen airways, increased mucus, and frequently is accompanied by constriction of the smooth muscle in the airways, or bronchoconstriction, causing difficulty breathing and the familiar wheeze often associated with the disease. While asthma cannot be cured, most people with asthma can be treated so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, about 20 million people have been diagnosed with asthma in the United States, nearly 9 million of whom are children.
About Icagen
Icagen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel orally-administered small molecule drugs that modulate ion channel targets. Utilizing its proprietary know-how and integrated scientific and drug development capabilities, Icagen has identified multiple drug candidates that modulate ion channels. The Company is conducting research and development activities in a number of disease areas, including epilepsy, pain and inflammation. The Company has clinical stage programs in epilepsy and asthma.
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Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described in these forward-looking statements are set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 10, 2008. These risk factors include risks as to the Company's history of net losses and how long the Company will be able to operate on its existing capital resources; the Company's ability to raise additional funding; general economic and financial market conditions; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with NASDAQ's continued listing requirements; whether the Company's product candidates will advance in the clinical trials process; the timing of such clinical trials; whether the results obtained in preliminary studies will be indicative of results obtained in clinical trials; whether the clinical trial results will warrant continued product development; whether and when, if at all, the Company's product candidates, including ICA-105665 and the Company's other lead compounds for epilepsy and neuropathic pain and senicapoc for asthma, will receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or equivalent regulatory agencies, and for which indications, and if such product candidates receive approval, whether such products will be successfully marketed; and the Company's dependence on third parties, including manufacturers, suppliers and collaborators. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.