Intra-Cellular Therapies Provides Overview of its Proprietary Portfolio of Compounds for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunc...( NEW YORK Sept. 18 /- Intra-Cellul...)

NEW YORK, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Intra-Cellular Therapies today announced it has developed a novel series of non-hormonal compounds that show promise in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). These small molecule agents are specific and potent inhibitors designed to regulate neuronal activity in selected regions of the brain. The Company believes these compounds may have utility in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition that affects a significant percentage of older, peri- and post-menopausal women and is one of the disorders commonly classified as "female sexual dysfunction."

ITI's molecules have demonstrated promising activity in animal models of sexual behavior, specifically eliciting enhanced female sexual interest and activity. The Company's lead compounds show behavioral effects equivalent to those observed after treatment with progesterone, the gold standard for hormonal treatment, in a rodent model of female sexual behavior. In addition, the compounds potently and robustly increase solicitation behaviors in a female rodent model at doses that do not otherwise disrupt normal behaviors. Studies have shown compounds from this novel chemical series are orally bioavailable and penetrate into the brain after oral administration. Follow-on studies are being conducted to support preclinical safety and toxicology testing.

"Decreases in hormone levels with menopause can bring about a number of serious consequences in women's general health and sexual well-being," said Sharon Mates, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Intra-Cellular Therapies. "Today, these symptoms are treated with hormonal replacement therapies that can be associated with adverse side-effects. We are encouraged by the results of our studies with these non-hormonal compounds and are hopeful they will yield treatment alternatives to hormonal replacement therapies for women in this underserved market."

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