TEL AVIV, Israel, March 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alcobra Ltd. (Nasdaq:ADHD), an emerging biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of its proprietary drug candidate Metadoxine Extended Release (MDX) to treat cognitive dysfunctions, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Fragile X Syndrome, announced today that the US. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for MDX. This step will allow for the initiation of US clinical trials.
"The FDA's acceptance of our IND marks an important development milestone for MDX," said Dr. Yaron Daniely, President & Chief Executive Officer of Alcobra. "It allows us to commence our U.S. based Phase 3 study in adult patients with ADHD, and we expect to enroll the first patients shortly. The IND will also pave the way for additional studies for other related indications, including a planned trial in Fragile X Syndrome."
Unlike the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications, MDX is not a stimulant. MDX has a novel mechanism of action that neither targets dopamine nor norepinephrine. MDX has demonstrated significant efficacy and was generally well tolerated in two separate placebo-controlled Phase 2 studies in adults with ADHD. Additionally, MDX has demonstrated significant efficacy following the first dose.
About Alcobra Ltd.
Alcobra Ltd. is an emerging biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of a proprietary drug candidate, MDX (Metadoxine Extended Release (MG01CI)), to treat cognitive dysfunctions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Fragile X Syndrome. MDX has completed Phase II studies to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. For more information please visit the Company's website, www.alcobra-pharma.com, the content of which is not incorporated herein by reference.
Forward Looking Statements – This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Alcobra's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of Alcobra could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. For example, forward-looking statements include statements that Alcobra will initiate Phase III clinical trials with MDX (if at all) when provided for above and whether the company will conduct additional studies for other related indications, such as Fragile X Syndrome. In addition, historic results of scientific research and clinical and preclinical trials do not guarantee that the conclusions of future research or trials would not suggest different conclusions or that historic results referred to in this press release would be interpreted differently in light of additional research and clinical and preclinical trials results. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Alcobra Ltd.'s registration statement on Form F-1/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on October 22, 2013, and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Alcobra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.