Pharmaceutical Business review

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals initiates Phase IIa depression trial

The Serdaxin Phase IIa study calls for the recruitment of up to 100 patients to evaluate its preliminary efficacy in treating major depressive disorder.

Rexahn’s Phase IIa clinical trial for Serdaxin is designed as a randomized, double blind, dose ranging and placebo-controlled study and will be conducted at multiple sites in the US. Serdaxin will be administered as an oral, extended release tablet. Patient enrollment will occur throughout 2009, with preliminary data expected in early 2010.

Chang Ahn, CEO of Rexahn, said: “We believe that successfully bringing Serdaxin to market will mark a significant development in the treatment of depression and related mood disorders. Also, we are excited about Serdaxin’s potential as a potent neuroprotective agent as demonstrated in two validated animal models of neurodegenerative diseases where depression is a major co-morbidity and patients still face serious unmet needs.”