Orion has decided not to continue the development of a new COMT inhibitor candidate
ESPOO, Finland, May 9, 2008-Orion Corporation
has decided not to continue the development of their new COMT
inhibitor, which has now progressed to the end of clinical Phase I.
Based on the overall results received from the studies hitherto the
company has concluded that the properties of the lead molecule
would not outperform the already commercialised COMT inhibitors. In
1998 Orion launched entacapone, a COMT enzyme inhibitor which
enhances the therapeutic effects of levodopa in the treatment of
Parkinson's Disease. This globally used drug is the most successful
proprietary product of Orion so far.
- Based on the achieved results it is unlikely
that we would succeed in meeting the original goal and the primary
purpose of this project, i.e. to develop this molecule into a
medicine that would provide considerable added value to patients
suffering from Parkinson's Disease, Timo
Lappalainen, President and CEO comments. - In the course
of the project, however, we have learned more of the COMT enzyme
than ever and probably also more than anybody else in the world.
The challenges of levodopa treatment must be approached in several
different ways, and we are continuing our efforts in exploring
them, Timo Lappalainen says.
By issuing this release Orion deviates from its
main policy of not issuing separate releases on the results of
Phase II clinical trials or earlier phases but will communicate the
progress of such projects in the context of its regular financial
reporting, when relevant. Orion bases its policy on the fact that
high uncertainty and risks are always related to pharmaceutical
research. This is why the company regards it justifiable to follow
a deliberate and low-profile policy in communications concerning
the early phases of the research portfolio. Of projects in clinical
Phase I, on an average only one in ten progresses to the stage
where a marketing authorisation is granted
ABOUT ORION
Orion Corporation is dedicated to treating and
preventing disease by discovery and developing innovative medicinal
treatments. In 2007, Orion Corporation generated sales of EUR 683.6
million, invested EUR 97.6 million in research and development and
employed approximately 3,180 people. Orion corporate headquarters
are in Espoo, Finland. For more information, please visit:
http://www.orion.fi/english/.
Orion Corporation
Timo
Lappalainen Olli
Huotari
President and
CEO Senior VP, Corporate
Functions
Contact person:
Dr. Reijo Salonen, Senior VP,
Pharmaceutical R&D, phone +358 10 426 3647, gsm +358
50 966 3647
Publisher:
Orion Corporation
Communications
Orionintie 1A, FI-02200 Espoo
Homepage: www.orion.fi
Posted: May 2008
