Memory finishes patient recruitment in bipolar trial

“Since enrolling our first subject in September of this year, enrollment has proceeded rapidly, which we believe reflects the interest of our study investigators and clinicians in this area to evaluate novel approaches for the treatment of bipolar disorder,” said Stephen Murray, vice president of clinical development at Memory.

The company now expects to report results in the first quarter of 2007.

The study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of MEM 1003 for the treatment of acute mania in bipolar disorder. The primary outcome measure of the trial is the change in the young mania rating scale at 21 days.

This trial is being conducted with support from the Stanley Medical Research Institute (SMRI). Under the terms of the company's agreement with the institute, Memory could receive up to $3.2 million from SMRI to fund its phase IIa clinical trial of MEM 1003 in bipolar disorder.

MEM 1003 is a neuronal L-type calcium channel modulator that is being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and bipolar disorder. By blocking L-type calcium channels, MEM 1003 may regulate the flow of calcium and reestablish normal levels of calcium, which may correct or prevent the severe mood swings that characterize bipolar disorder.