DGAP-News: BioCrea GmbH: BioCrea Provides Update on Development Programs for Partners


DGAP-News: BioCrea GmbH / Key word(s): Research Update
BioCrea GmbH: BioCrea Provides Update on Development Programs for
Partners

23.04.2014 / 08:30

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Radebeul, Germany, April 23, 2014 - BioCrea GmbH (BioCrea), the
first-in-class CNS drug discovery specialist, today provided an update on
two unique proprietary small molecule programs: Long-term acting GABAA
positive allosteric modulators (LT GABAA PAMs) to treat epilepsy plus
autism; and NMDA receptor 2B (NR2B) negative allosteric modulators (NAMs)
to treat depression. The pathways of both therapy approaches have been
established in proof-of-concept trials conducted with similar compounds and
they both show great potential to overcome limitations of their
predecessors. BioCrea has initiated an outlicensing program to expedite the
progression of these assets into the clinic.

The LT GABAA PAMs program provides innovative compounds for the acute and
long-term treatment of a broad-range of seizure disorders. BioCrea's unique
PAMs act on a GABAA modulatory site that is different from benzodiazepine
or steroid binding sites of currently marketed drugs. The subtype
selectivity of these LT GABAA b2-preferring PAMs offers excellent efficacy
in multiple seizure disease models combined with a much improved safety
profile compared to current treatment approaches. BioCrea's compounds avoid
common problems such as cognitive impairment, sedation, tolerance and
dependency issues after multiple dosing. The mode of action for this class
of compound also opens up the potential to work in combination with
existing treatment approaches. BioCrea has developed multiple distinct
chemical families with excellent developability profiles, good oral
bioavailability, CNS penetration and in vivo activity. By the second half
of 2014, BioCrea will have completed the LT GABAA PAM candidate selection.

In January 2014 the US Epilepsy Foundation granted its Epilepsy Innovation
Seal of Excellence Award to BioCrea for the LT GABAA PAM program.

The NR2B NAM program is showing strong potential as a treatment for major
depressive disorder (MDD), particularly for treatment resistant patients
and patients with suicidal tendencies. By targeting the NMDA receptor
subunit NR2B, BioCrea is developing a novel first-in-class program to treat
these diseases. NR2B NAM compounds overcome the limited effectiveness, late
onset of action and side effects of available antidepressant medications.
Clinical studies with predecessor compounds have provided proof-of-concept
for this target as a robust, rapid treatment of depression, especially in
refractory patients. Studies also show that NR2B subtype-selective
antagonists have superior tolerability when compared to non-selective
agents like ketamine. BioCrea has addressed the NR2B target through two
potent, distinct chemical families with a novel IP position. The compounds
are efficacious in in vitro and in vivo assays, have an excellent side
effect profile, blood-brain barrier penetration and developability
parameters. This includes the potential for oral administration, which has
been a difficulty in the development of NR2B selective agents in previous
programs.
 
BioCrea's NR2B NAM drug candidate will be ready for IND-enabling studies by
year-end.

"First-in-class drug discovery based on a clinically validated mechanism of
action is our contribution to enhance the probability of success in
clinical trials. Both, the LT GABAA PAM and the NR2B NAM approaches have
proven pathways through proof-of-concept trials," said Dr. Tom Kronbach,
CEO of BioCrea. "We are convinced our compounds with their unique efficacy,
side effect profiles and developability parameters have the potential to
provide much needed treatment options for refractory patients in a range of
debilitating diseases. We are looking to complete our partnering activities
to speed up development of these therapies for the benefit of doctors and
patients."

About BioCrea

BioCrea, the Radebeul-based first-in-class drug discovery specialist
validated through pharma partnerships, has established a number of programs
in neurological and psychotic disorders. Its proven expertise is based on
proprietary compound libraries, medicinal chemistry, molecular modeling and
advanced screening technologies. BioCrea uses this expertise in an
innovative multi-parameter optimization approach to generate and deliver
CNS drug candidates that offer significant potential for greater efficacy
and tolerability. Moreover, the patient-derived stem cell (iPSC) platform
has been successfully developed to discover high value preclinical drug
candidates for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease). BioCrea was awarded Top Innovator
status of the "Top 100" Most Innovative Companies in Germany 2012 by
compamedia GmbH. For more information, please visit www.biocrea.com.

Contact

Dr. Tom Kronbach
CEO, BioCrea GmbH
Tel.: +49 351 / 4043 3332
Fax: +49 351 / 4043 3216
tom.kronbach@biocrea.com


End of Corporate News

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