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XenoPort Announces Presentation of Preclinical Data for Novel Fumarate Analog XP23829 at ECTRIMS

^{Published on 2010-10-13 05:35:54 - Market Wire}
 

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--XenoPort, Inc. (Nasdaq:XNPT) announced today that it will present data on a new preclinical product candidate, XP23829, at the upcoming 26^th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden, October 13 - 16, 2010. Data from the poster presentation show that compared to dimethylfumarate (DMF), molar equivalent doses of XP23829, a novel prodrug of methylhydrogenfumarate (MHF), provided:

• higher blood levels of the biologically active molecule MHF;
• superior efficacy in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS); and
• fewer and less severe stomach lesions in an animal model of gastric irritation.

Both XP23829 and DMF are prodrugs of MHF, a molecule that appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. An oral formulation of fumaric acid esters (mixed DMF and monoethylfumarate salts) is approved in Germany and widely used for the treatment of psoriasis. BG-12, an oral formulation of DMF from Biogen Idec Inc. that is currently in Phase 3 development, has shown promise in a Phase 2b trial for the potential treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS). Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain) were observed in the Phase 2b trial.

Ronald W. Barrett, Ph.D., chief executive officer of XenoPort, stated, aWe designed XP23829 to be more efficiently absorbed and converted to MHF than DMF. We are encouraged by these preclinical results, which suggest that XP23829 may have advantages over DMF. Our hope is that an oral formulation of XP23829 could provide MS patients with a well-tolerated and effective option for management of their disease. We plan to continue our development work on this product candidate as resources permit.a

About XP23829

XP23829 is a new chemical entity invented and owned by XenoPort. XenoPort has filed patent applications on the composition of matter and methods of use of XP23829 and related compounds.

About Multiple Sclerosis

MS is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that typically results in muscle weakness in the extremities and difficulty with coordination and balance, which may impair walking. Other symptoms include paresthesias, or abnormal sensory feelings such as numbness or prickling sensations, speech impediments, stiffness and painful spasms, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, tremors and dizziness. Some MS patients experience pain, and approximately 50% experience mild cognitive dysfunction.

MS affects more than 1 million people worldwide and disproportionately affects women and Caucasians. Approximately 85% of affected people have RR-MS, characterized by an unpredictable course of exacerbations and remissions. Over time, a majority of patients with RR-MS experience increased disability.

About XenoPort

XenoPort, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a portfolio of internally discovered product candidates that utilize the bodya™s natural nutrient transport mechanisms to improve the therapeutic benefits of existing drugs. XenoPort is developing its lead product candidate in collaboration with Astellas Pharma Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline. XenoPorta™s product candidates are being studied for the potential treatment of restless legs syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, neuropathic pain, spasticity and Parkinsona™s disease.

To learn more about XenoPort, please visit the web site at [ www.XenoPort.com ].

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains aforward-lookinga statements, including, without limitation, all statements related to XenoPorta™s future development of XP23829, including the potential of XP23829 as a treatment of patients with MS, future preclinical work and further advancement of XP23829 development, and the timing thereof. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as aappears,a acould,a ahope,a amay,a aplan,a apotential,a apromise,a asuggest,a awilla and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon XenoPort's current expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. XenoPort's actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the risks inherent in preclinical and clinical development; the availability of resources to develop XenoPorta™s preclinical product candidates; and the uncertain therapeutic and commercial value of XenoPorta™s preclinical product candidates. These and other risk factors are discussed under the heading aRisk Factorsa in XenoPorta™s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2010. XenoPort expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

XenoPort is a registered trademark of XenoPort, Inc.

Source code: XNPT2C