KemPharm commences KP106 Phase 1 clinical trial for ADHD

KemPharm, Inc. today announced that it has commenced a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers of its novel prodrug compound, KP106, which is in development for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). KP106, a new chemical entity (NCE) composed of d-amphetamine and a ligand, is the lead investigational candidate from KemPharm’s proprietary ligand activated therapy (LAT) platform, which creates improved versions of FDA-approved drugs. KemPharm began the KP106 program in 2007 and has initiated the Phase 1 clinical trial of this candidate in less than 24 months.

“Preclinical studies suggest that the prodrug properties of KP106 may offer an improved side effect profile, including reduced weight loss and cardiovascular effects, and decreased abuse potential compared with current amphetamine-based treatments for ADHD,” said Robert Karr, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of KemPharm. “We are therefore very excited to begin clinical studies of KP106 because, if it continues to demonstrate results similar to the compelling preclinical data, KP106 may provide a valuable new treatment option for patients with ADHD.”

“The extremely rapid progress to Phase 1 in less than two years from program inception is a testament to the inherent strength and efficiency of our LAT platform,” commented Travis Mickle, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of KemPharm. “Further, we anticipate continuing the aggressive development timeline for KP106, with the data from this trial expected in early 2010 and the filing of an NDA projected for 2012.”

KemPharm utilizes its LAT platform to generate ligand-activated, prodrug versions of FDA-approved drugs, allowing for potentially shorter development timelines and reduced development costs. The Company is also developing candidates for pain, other central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The second candidate generated by the LAT platform, KP201, is in preclinical studies for the treatment of pain.

KemPharm recently closed a $3.8 million Series B financing round, the proceeds of which will be used to advance KP106 and KP201 through Phase 1 studies. The Company’s business strategy is to demonstrate proof-of-concept for its prodrug candidates in Phase 1 clinical trials in an accelerated timeframe, then execute collaboration agreements with strategic development partners to complete the candidates’ development and commercialization.