Ligand Research Published in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry: LGD-2941 Shows Promise in Treating Muscle and Bone Loss
SAN DIEGO--
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) (the "Company"
or "Ligand") today announced that an article authored by a team of
Ligand scientists will appear in the October 18th issue of the Journal
of Medicinal Chemistry and is also highlighted in a recent press
release from the American Chemical Society (ACS).
The article, entitled "Substituted
6-(1-Pyrrolidine)quinolin-2(1H)-ones as Novel Selective Androgen
Receptor Modulators (SARMs)" describes the development of a
nonsteroidal compound, LGD-2941 that shows promise as a new treatment
for loss of muscle mass, bone tissue and other problems linked to
aging.
According to the announcement by the ACS, "Ligand Scientist, Arjan
van Oeveren and colleagues point out that the potential side effects
of testosterone (used as) a steroid medication, limit its use to older
men with low testosterone levels. The new study describes a
nonsteroidal compound that attaches to testosterone receptors in cells
and triggers the same desired effects as actual testosterone, in
tests in laboratory animals. In comparison to other testosterone
replacement treatments, the compound showed similar improvement
in muscle mass and strength while having little effect on the
prostate, the researchers say. It also significantly improved
bone density and strength in rats."
Dr. Martin Meglasson, Ligand's Vice President of Discovery
Research, commented, "Publication of this research paper on LGD-2941
in the JMC and the accompanying comments by the ACS reflect the
potential for Ligand's SARMs to become improved treatment options with
better safety and the convenience of oral dosing for patients with
osteoporosis or frailty. LGD-2941, which is licensed to TAP
Pharmaceutical Products and Ligand's second generation SARM LGD-3303
have demonstrated in animal studies an ability to stimulate the growth
of new bone. This anabolic effect could be of particular benefit in
the many osteoporosis patients who have already lost significant bone
density and strength before they are diagnosed or who have had an
inadequate response to the current standard treatment using
bisphosphonate drugs."
SARM Program
Ligand has conducted extensive drug research with SARMs. In its
research collaboration with TAP Pharmaceutical Products, Ligand
discovered the SARM LGD-2941, which TAP is developing in a Phase I
clinical trial. Ligand has rights to several SARM molecules, including
LGD-3303. Ligand is formulating and optimizing a library of SARM
compounds to potentially advance to clinical development.
About Ligand Pharmaceuticals
Ligand discovers and develops new drugs that address critical
unmet medical needs of patients in the areas of thrombocytopenia,
hepatitis C, cancer, hormone-related diseases, osteoporosis and
inflammatory diseases. Ligand's proprietary drug discovery and
development programs are based on its leadership position in gene
transcription technology, primarily related to intracellular
receptors.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended that involve risks and uncertainties and reflect Ligand's
judgment as of the date of this release. These include statements
regarding data analysis and evaluation of LGD-2941 and other SARMs,
utility or potential benefits to patients, plans for continued
development and further studies of LGD-2941 or other SARMs, e.g., for
the treatment of diseases including low testosterone (hypogonadism),
sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, frailty and cancer cachexia. Actual
events or results may differ from our expectations. For example, there
can be no assurance that other trials or evaluations of LGD-2941 or
other SARMs will be favorable or that they will confirm results of
previous studies, that data evaluation will be completed or
demonstrate any hypothesis or endpoint, that LGD-2941 or other SARMs
will provide utility or benefits to certain patients, that any
presentations will be favorably received, that LGD-2941or other SARMs
will be useful as a single agent or in combination with other drugs,
that marketing applications will be filed or, if filed, approved, or
that clinical or commercial development of these drugs will be
initiated, completed or successful or that our rights to LGD-2941 and
other SARMs will not be successfully challenged. Our stock price may
suffer as a result of the failure of any trials to be completed or
meet their endpoints or if any actual events differ from our
expectations. Additional information concerning these and other risk
factors affecting Ligand can be found in prior press releases as well
as in public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, available via www.ligand.com. Ligand disclaims any intent
or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the
date of this release.
Source: Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Released October 10, 2007