Memory/Roche's MEM 3454 enters schizophrenia biomarker study

The USA's Memory Pharmaceuticals plans to conduct a clinical study of MEM 3454, its lead nicotinic alpha-7 partial agonist, on two biomarkers of schizophrenia, P50 sensory gating and mismatch negativity, in patients with the condition. The biomarker trial, and additional formulation and manufacturing activities for MEM 3454, will be funded by Swiss drug major Roche under their R&D accord centered on the agonists. "This new study will greatly enhance our ability to measure and predict the efficacy of MEM 3454 and other compounds in the nicotinic alpha-7 receptor program," said Stephen Murray, chief medical officer of Memory. "The study should be underway this summer with data available by early 2009. The biomarker data, together with the results of our ongoing Phase IIa study in [cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia], will help with the design of later-stage trials in schizophrenia," he added. The trial will enroll approximately 12 patients with stable schizophrenia who are receiving atypical antipsychotic therapy, the firm noted.