Samaritan In-Licenses New Alzheimer's Drug From Georgetown
University for Further Development
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Samaritan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(AMEX:LIV) a developer of innovative drugs to target AIDS, Alzheimer's and
Cardiovascular disease, announced today, it has been granted an exclusive
worldwide license from Georgetown University to develop and market a new lead
drug candidate (SP-08) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Preclinical data suggests SP-08 to be an attractive drug candidate that
theoretically could create a new therapeutic class, since it aims at multiple
targets at the same time. The next step for the future development of this
unique drug is geared toward an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for
Alzheimer's; in addition to Samaritan's advanced Alzheimer's drug SP-233.
Dr. Janet Greeson, CEO of Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, stated, "While the ability
to improve loss of memory and learning could be a major breakthrough in the
treatment of Alzheimer's, what we hope to accomplish in the long term is to
have a drug that actually reverses the impairment of memory associated with
Alzheimer's disease."
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects over 15
million people worldwide, causing memory loss and, ultimately, dementia.
Alzheimer's usually begins gradually, causing a person to forget recent events
or familiar tasks. How rapidly it advances varies from person to person, but
the disease eventually leads to confusion, personality and behavior changes and
impaired judgment. Communication becomes more difficult as the disease
progresses, leaving those affected struggling to find words, finish thoughts or
follow directions. Eventually, most people with Alzheimer's disease become
unable to care for themselves.
Samaritan Pharmaceuticals: "A Cure Is Closer Than You Think."
Samaritan Pharmaceuticals is working to ensure a longer and better life, for
patients suffering with AIDS, Alzheimer's, Cancer and Cardiovascular disease.
Samaritan is an innovation-driven Biopharmaceutical, with a clear focus on
advancing innovative drugs through clinical development to become commercially
valuable compounds.
Samaritan has in-licensed twelve innovations from Georgetown University and is
concurrently, advancing four drug programs; SP-01A (HIV) Clinical trials; SP-10
(HIV) preIND status; SP-233 (Alzheimer's) preIND status; and SP-1000
(Cardiovascular) animal studies; along with an STTR NIH grant to develop a
simple blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's.
Samaritan's proprietary HIV drug SP-01A is the closest to commercialization.
SP-01A is an easy to take, oral, "Entry Inhibitor" drug that works by blocking
the HIV virus' ability to infect a cell. Encouraging data from its FDA Phase
I/II trial suggests SP-01A, as a promising drug for patients experiencing "drug
resistance."
Visit our Web site at http://www.samaritanpharmaceuticals.com/
Disclaimer
The company disclaims any information that is created by an outside party and
endorses only information that is communicated by its press releases, filings
and Web site. This news release contains forward-looking statements that
reflect management's current beliefs about the potential for its drug
candidates, science and technology. However, as with any biopharmaceutical
under development, there are significant risks and uncertainties in the process
of development and regulatory review. There are no guarantees that products
will prove to be commercially successful. For additional information about the
factors that affect the company's business, please read the company's latest
Form 10-K filed April 14, 2004. The company undertakes no duty to update
forward-looking statements.
For more information, please contact:
Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Gene Boyle, 702-735-7001
Fax: 702-737-7016
Email:
DATASOURCE: Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CONTACT: Gene Boyle of Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-702-735-7001,
or fax, +1-702-737-7016,
Web site: http://www.samaritanpharmaceuticals.com/
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