Naurex announces GLYX-13 molecule recognized in “Top 10 to Watch" list for depression treatment

Aug 31 2010

Naurex Inc., a clinical stage company developing innovative treatments for depression and other CNS disorders, today reported that its clinical stage candidate for the treatment of depression, GLYX-13, and its second-generation NRX-1050 series have been selected for inclusion on Windhover's list of the "Top 10 Most Interesting Neuroscience Projects to Watch."  They were chosen by a committee that included Windhover Information, the publishers of IN VIVO and Start-Up, and independent CNS expert Harry Tracy, president of NI Research and editor of the neuroscience business analysis journal NeuroInvestment.

GLYX-13 and the molecules in the NRX-1050 series represent a novel mechanism at a well-known target—they are glycine-site functional partial agonist selective modulators (GFPAs) of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) that have been designed to be devoid of the limiting side effects of classic NMDAR-modulating drugs while maintaining their well-documented efficacy.  

GLYX-13 is in clinical development for treatment-resistant depression and has demonstrated a positive safety profile in a Phase I trial.  In preclinical studies, GLYX-13 has shown promising signs of robust antidepressant activity with excellent safety, demonstrating rapid onset of effect and long duration after a single administration.  Naurex will initiate a Phase II proof-of-concept trial later this year to evaluate GLYX-13 in patients who are not achieving an adequate response to their current antidepressant agents.  

"We are delighted that these respected industry experts have selected our novel NMDA receptor modulators as among the most promising candidates in the CNS field," said Derek Small, acting CEO of Naurex.  "Treatment-resistant depression is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people.  We are optimistic that GLYX-13 and our NRX-1050 series have the potential to make a dramatic difference for these patients, helping those poorly served by existing therapies and providing relief within hours—rather than weeks—of receiving a single dose.  Both programs have also demonstrated potential in a number of other CNS indications."

The NRX-1050 series of GFPAs comprises numerous second-generation, orally available molecules with structures and mechanisms of action similar to GLYX-13.  This series includes multiple potential lead molecules, and in vivo proof-of-concept data have been generated for a number of the candidates.

"Selected companies have been screened using a strict set of judging criteria for the Top 10 award and represent what our committees considered the most attractive neuroscience opportunities the industry has to offer," said David Cassak, vice president, content, Windhover Conferences, a division of Elsevier Business Intelligence.  "Winners have met rigorous criteria, including: unmet medical need, market potential, diversity of indications, strong science, multi-level partnering opportunities (biotech and pharma), potential for new opportunities beyond initial indications and corporate stability."

Along with inclusion in the "Top 10 to Watch" list, Naurex has been selected to present at Windhover's Therapeutic Area Partnerships meeting, which will be held November 2-4, 2010 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA.  More information on the meeting can be found at www.tapartnerships.com.