Patch company NeuroDerm Ltd. today announced that it is beginning a Phase IIa clinical trial for a new product ND0801 to treat adults with attention and concentration problems (ADHD/ADD). The company develops skin patches to treat various illnesses by absorbing treatments via the central nervous system.
ND0801 is a patch that uniquely combines nicotinic activities for improving cognitive functions. The trial will examine the patch's effect on a range of illnesses that result in cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease in its advanced stages.
The new product is based on pre-clinical research that showed that ND0801 prevented desensitization of nicotinic receptors (which contributes to nicotine addiction) that occurs during repeated exposure to nicotine.
Research has indicated the involvement of the nicotinic system in the brain in a range of illnesses and disturbances of the nervous system and these are targeted by a number of treatments under development that are similar to nicotine. Nicotine itself has limited potential as a treatment because it desensitizes nicotinic receptors.
NeuroDerm believes that if the ND0801 trial succeeds in preventing desensitization, then it could be effective in treating cognitive problems and other illnesses linked to the central nervous system.
The ND0801 trial will take place at two Israeli hospitals with the participation of 45 patients. The trial will investigate safety, dosage, and the cognitive improvement in patients.
NeuroDerm chairman and CEO Oded Lieberman said, "Beginning this trial represents a significant milestone for us. It represents our entry into clinical development of a second unique and innovative product, this time for the treatment of attention and concentration problems.
NeuroDerm's first product NDO0611 is in clinical trials for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 9, 2010
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