New Data Highlights Positive Results of Namenda (Memantine HCl) Once-Daily Extended-Release Fo...( Results Presen...),Health

Results Presented at ICAD 2008 Highlight Significant Improvement in Cognitive Performance and Global Clinical Status in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 30, 2008 -- www.frx.com [Forest Laboratories, Inc.] (NYSE: FRX) presented today positive Phase III data of a once-daily extended-release formulation of Namenda® (memantine HCl) at the 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD). The study evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of an innovative, proprietary, 28 mg once-daily extended-release formulation of Namenda compared to placebo in outpatients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease already being treated with a cholinesterase inhibitor (donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine).

In the study, patients treated with once-daily extended-release Namenda experienced significant improvements in cognitive performance and global clinical status compared to those receiving placebo. Patients treated with once-daily extended-release Namenda also experienced significant improvements in verbal fluency and behavioral symptoms as compared to placebo. The results build on preliminary findings announced by Forest in February.

"While there is no cure or existing treatment to prevent Alzheimer's disease, there are currently- available FDA-approved treatments, such as combination therapy with memantine and a cholinesterase inhibitor, which can alleviate symptoms by providing cognitive, functional, and behavioral benefits," said George Grossberg, MD, Director of Geriatric Psychiatry at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and the lead investigator who presented the data. "These findings reinforce the safety, tolerability and efficacy of memantine in a newly-developed once-a-day formulation."

Marco Taglietti, MD, Exe
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