The patients enrolled in the trial have been randomized to receive placebo or one of two flexible dose regimens of MN-305 at 25 clinical sites in the US. Results from the trial are expected by the end of 2Q 2006.
MN-305 is a novel, potent and highly selective serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist under development by MediciNova for the treatment of anxiety disorders beginning with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
This orally bioavailable compound has shown preliminary evidence of efficacy in animal models of anxiety and in an open-label study conducted in Japan by Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation in a group of patients with a variety of anxiety disorders.
MediciNova acquired a license to MN-305 from Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation for global markets, with the exception of Japan and other selected Asian countries.
“MN-305 may offer effective treatment of GAD without the side effects (e.g., increased risk of suicide, sexual dysfunction, agitation) associated with antidepressants currently used to treat anxiety disorders such as GAD,” said Dr Yuichi Iwaki, executive chairman of MediciNova.