This open-label study is designed to access the occupancy of the monoamine oxidase B enzyme (MAO-B) in brain after administration of single oral doses of EVT 302 by the use of dynamic positron emission tomography (PET). This technique helps to determine the therapeutic dose range of EVT 302 for the upcoming safety and efficacy studies.
Germany-based Evotec said that the drug’s preclinical profile supports the potential for a superior safety profile over marketed MAO-B inhibitors and better tolerability compared to current treatments.
Evotec plans to start additional phase I safety and tolerability studies during the first half of 2007. If the phase I results are positive, phase II in smoking cessation is planned to begin in mid 2008.