Vernalis and Biogen discontinue development of vipadenant in favor of an alternative PD candidate

UK drug developer Vernalis says that, along with its partner USA-based Biogen Idec, the companies will continue its novel A2A receptor antagonist program for Parkinson's disease with a next generation Vernalis compound. Based on findings from preclinical studies, the companies have discontinued development of V2006/BIIB014, also known as vipadenant, in favor of the alternate compound, which is also in development. The news saw Vernalis' shares plunge 12% to 35.5 pence, while Biogen slipped 1.6%.

Although the firms said they achieved positive results in Phase II clinical studies, the decision to discontinue vipadenant was based on a review of findings in preclinical toxicology studies, which brought up side effect issues. The A2A pathway remains an important focus for drug development in Parkinson's disease, and both companies are committed to developing the most promising candidate in the A2A antagonist portfolio. Vernalis and Biogen expect to progress the next generation compound into Phase I clinical studies in early 2011.

Vernalis and Biogen entered into a collaboration agreement in June 2004 to advance research of Vernalis' adenosine A2A receptor antagonist program. Under the terms of this agreement, Biogen received exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Vernalis' lead compound (V2006/BIIB014) along with a back-up compound.