LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 22 -- SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc. today announced that it has been issued U.S. Patent No. 5,594,011 on a series of compounds, including its lead compound SIB-1508Y, that modulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The patent provides coverage for the composition of the compounds as well as their use for treating Parkinson's disease. SIB-1508Y, and the broader series of compounds, represent one of several new classes of compounds discovered by SIBIA that target specific human receptor subtypes in the brain.
These receptor subtypes modulate communications between nerve cells and play a key role in a variety of neurological disorders. SIB-1508Y is selective for certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes that regulate the release of dopamine and acetylcholine, both relevant in the deficits caused by Parkinson's disease. SIBIA plans to commence a Phase I clinical trial of SIB-1508Y under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application recently filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Commenting on the patent, William T. Comer, Ph.D., SIBIA president and chief executive officer stated, "There is a growing body of scientific evidence establishing the link between certain nicotinic receptors and a variety of nervous system disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. We believe SIBIA has one of the strongest technology positions relative to nicotinic receptors and ligands, and the issuance of this patent further establishes our proprietary position. With this new patent, we now have coverage on both the target receptor molecules as well as compounds that modulate them." SIBIA is focusing its efforts on developing compounds for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, head trauma, epilepsy, chronic pain, schizophrenia and other disorders. The Company currently has collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Ciba (Novartis) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
SOURCE Sibia Neurosciences Inc. -0- 01/22/97 /CONTACT: Michael J. Dunn, Vice President, Business Development of Sibia Neurosciences, 619-452-5892/