Amarantus' eltoprazine positive in mid-stage adult ADHD study

US biotech firm Amarantus Bioscience (OTCqb: AMBS) has released positive clinical data for eltoprazine in a Phase IIa clinical study for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The results from the study demonstrated statistically significant improvements of both doses of 5mg and 10mg versus placebo in a range of ADHD clinical measures, said the company, noting that the adult ADHD represents a $5 billion market opportunity. The ADHD market is valued at over $3.5 billion at present, with around 35 million prescriptions written annually, the company said.

"We are pleased to update the marketplace on the eltoprazine ADHD program at this time, as we have initiated a review of strategic options for the further development of the program. We believe there is significant value to be unlocked with this program and intend to pursue business development-related transactions that we believe will bolster shareholder value as we prepare to up-list to a national stock exchange," said Gerald Commissiong, president and chief executive of Amarantus Bioscience.