TorreyPines Therapeutics Sells Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Progra... ( LA JOLLA Calif. Nov. 10 /- Torrey...)

TorreyPines Therapeutics Sells Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Program to Eisai

Date:11/10/2008

LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- TorreyPines Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TPTX) today announced that it has agreed to sell its Alzheimer's disease genetics research program to Eisai Co., Ltd. for an upfront cash payment. TorreyPines and Eisai have collaborated on the genetics program since 2002, with the most recent agreement between the parties concluding on September 30, 2008. The Alzheimer's disease genetics research program focused on the discovery of Alzheimer's disease targets using whole-genome family-based association screening.

"We are pleased to announce the sale of our genetics program to our long-time partner, Eisai," said Ev Graham, acting chief executive officer of TorreyPines Therapeutics. "The sale of this asset furthers our transition to a development-only company and enables us to focus our resources on advancing our clinical stage assets: tezampanel, NGX426 and NGX267. As a leader in treating Alzheimer's disease we believe Eisai is well positioned to capitalize on the discoveries from the genetics program."

The genetics program is one of two TorreyPines discovery programs focused on Alzheimer's disease, the other being a gamma secretase modulator (GSM) program. Recently, a lead compound from the GSM program has been shown to reduce plaque load and Abeta peptide levels in the brains of Tg2576 Alzheimer's disease model mice after seven months of oral dosing. TorreyPines is currently seeking a partner for this program.

About TorreyPines Therapeutics

TorreyPines Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company committed to providing patients with better alternatives to existing therapies through the research, development and commercialization of small molecule compounds. The company's go
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TorreyPines Therapeutics Sells Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Progra...( LA JOLLA Calif. Nov. 10 /- Torrey...)