Memory and Roche entered into a collaboration for the development of PDE4 inhibitors for psychiatric and neurological indications in 2002. Roche has now decided not to pursue further development of two compounds from this collaboration, MEM 1414 and MEM 1917, on its own and the two companies have commenced discussions to determine the future of the compounds.
Memory said, however, that the two companies will continue to work on PDE4 inhibitor back-up compounds.
PDE4 inhibitors have promising utility for Alzheimer’s disease and have potential in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression, according to Memory. If the drugs’ potential in Alzheimer’s disease is realized, the treatments could meet an unmet medical need as currently prescribed treatments, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, only produce modest improvement in patients.
Under the 2002 collaboration, Roche received a worldwide, exclusive license to any product candidate from Memory’s PDE4 inhibitor program. Under an August 2004 extension of the collaboration agreement, Roche committed to a minimum of 18 months’ funding of Memory’s PDE4 research efforts.