Targacept Announces Decision By AstraZeneca To Advance AZD3480 Program In ADHD

Targacept, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRGT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as NNR Therapeutics (TM), announced that AstraZeneca has informed Targacept that it plans to conduct further development of AZD3480 (TC-1734) for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has agreed to make a $10 million milestone payment to Targacept.


AstraZeneca also confirmed plans to continue development of AZD1446 (TC-6683) for Alzheimer's disease. AZD1446, which is currently in Phase 1, was discovered in the parties' ongoing research collaboration. For Alzheimer's disease, development of AZD1446 has been prioritized by AstraZeneca over further development of AZD3480. AZD3480 and AZD1446 are selective alpha4beta2 NNR agonists.


"We continue to be enthusiastic about neuronal nicotinic receptors as a promising new mechanism in the treatment of multiple cognitive disorders," said Bob Holland, Vice President and Head of the Neuroscience Therapy Area, AstraZeneca. "We believe the therapeutic profile of AZD3480, a non-stimulant, may be an important advance for treating patients with ADHD and we also remain positive about the potential of NNR agonists to treat Alzheimer's disease."


AstraZeneca has presented Targacept with preliminary plans for a robust development program for AZD3480 in ADHD, including clinical studies to include both younger subjects and adults.


Under the terms of an amendment to the parties' collaboration agreement, AstraZeneca has agreed to make the $10 million milestone payment described above and Targacept is eligible to receive a lower aggregate milestone stream for AZD3480 if ADHD is the only target indication for which AZD3480 is developed further. Targacept remains eligible to receive over $100 million if development, regulatory and first commercial sale milestones are achieved for AZD3480 only in ADHD, as well as stepped double-digit royalties on any future sales of AZD3480 in any indication. Targacept also continues to be eligible to receive future payments upon the achievement of milestone events for AZD1446 and royalties on any future sales of AZD1446.


"We appreciate the efforts and dedication of our colleagues at AstraZeneca as we work together to develop and deliver the promise of NNR Therapeutics to patients affected by cognitive disorders like ADHD and Alzheimer's disease," said J. Donald deBethizy, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Targacept. "In addition to AZD3480 and AZD1446, we remain enthusiastic about the breadth and pharmacological diversity of our portfolio. With our pipeline, strong alliances and a cash runway that we expect to fund our operations for at least the next two years, we are well positioned to execute our business plan."


About ADHD


Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD is a chronic disorder that develops during childhood, often persists into adulthood and can negatively impair many aspects of daily life, including home, school, work and interpersonal relationships. The market research firm Business Insights estimated that there were approximately 25 million adults and 12.7 million children with ADHD in 2008 in the world's seven major pharmaceutical markets (United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and Japan).


About Alzheimer's Disease


Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. A 2007 study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University estimated that over 26 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association has estimated that Alzheimer's disease affects more than five million people in the United States and has projected the number of afflicted Americans age 65 and over to increase by more than 50 percent to 7.7 million by 2030. Current treatment options have limited efficacy and significant side effects in many patients.


Source

Targacept