News
Allon and TURNS expand collaboration for Phase II schizophrenia trial
VANCOUVER, August 7, 2007 — Allon Therapeutics Inc. (TSX: NPC), The Neuro Protection CompanyTM, announced today that in collaboration with TURNS (Treatment Units for Research on Neurocognition and Schizophrenia) and with support from the National Association for Research in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders (NARSAD) they will add an imaging-biomarker component to the current Phase II efficacy trial evaluating AL-108 as a treatment for schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment. Three different imaging techniques will be used to investigate whether AL-108 treatment results in a change in the brain structures affected by schizophrenia. TURNS believes that based on the mechanism of action of Allon’s product AL-108, structural changes in the brain should correlate with an improvement in cognitive function.
Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, Director of the Scientific Operations Unit, Treatment Units for Research on Neurocognition and Schizophrenia, stated that the imaging-biomarker endpoint is important in our understanding of the scope of AL-108 in the treatment of schizophrenia.
“We believe the addition of the imaging-biomarker component to this study will increase our understanding of how this novel compound (AL-108) can improve a patient’s cognitive performance through structural changes in the brain.” Dr. Lieberman said. “Our hypothesis is that since Allon’s AL-108 product is neuroprotective, targeting the microtubules and preserving the structure and function of neurons, changes in specific regions of the brain should be detectable and related to treatment response.”
Gordon McCauley, President and CEO of Allon, said the addition of the imaging component to the study will enhance Allon’s understanding of the impact of AL-108 treatment on brain structure and neural connectivity, which is also significant in Allon’s core Alzheimer’s disease program.
The TURNS-Allon study has received IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval to begin patient enrolment for the Phase II efficacy trial in schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment. The phase II trial is a multicenter, double blind, placebo-controlled study, evaluating AL-108 in chronic schizophrenia. Allon and TURNS expect to begin dosing shortly.
About Allon
Allon Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage Canadian biotechnology company developing drugs that protect against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's, cognitive impairment, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and neuropathy. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "NPC" (Neuro Protection CompanyTM) and based in Vancouver. For additional information please visit the company’s website: www.allontherapeutics.com
Forward Looking Statements
There are forward-looking statements contained herein that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words “believes,” “may,” “plans,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, Allon’s stage of development, lack of product revenues, additional capital requirements, risks associated with the completion of clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval to market Allon’s products, the ability to protect its intellectual property and dependence on collaborative partners. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments.
- 30 -
For further information:
Investor and Media contact:
Aaron Keay
Manager, Investor Relations
Allon Therapeutics Inc.
P: (604) 742 2540
C: (604) 323 6911
E: akeay@allontherapeutics.com
