H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) strengthens its pipeline of pharmaceuticals in clinical development by initiating clinical phase I studies with Lu AF11167 in order to investigate safety, tolerability and the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug in humans.
Lu AF11167 is a new compound inhibiting a phosphodiesterase enzyme primarily expressed in brain and here in regions relevant for a number of both neurological and psychiatric diseases in humans. By inhibiting this enzyme, Lu AF11167 boosts signalling and thus increases the activity of certain neurons in the brain.
Extensive research in animals suggests that these type of compounds have potential in e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea and schizophrenia.
"Our Focus at Lundbeck Research is to discover innovative compounds that address unmet needs in patients with CNS diseases. Lu AF11167 is an example of a new generation of compounds with a great potential for treatment of certain CNS conditions currently inadequately treated," says Executive Vice President Peter Høngaard Andersen, Head of Research at Lundbeck.
About Lundbeck
H. Lundbeck A/S (LUN.CO, LUN DC, HLUKY) is an international pharmaceutical company highly committed to improving the quality of life for people suffering from central nervous system (CNS) disorders. For this purpose, Lundbeck is engaged in the research, development, production, marketing and sale of pharmaceuticals across the world. The company's products are targeted at disorders such as depression and anxiety, schizophrenia, insomnia, epilepsy and Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Lundbeck was founded in 1915 by Hans Lundbeck in Copenhagen, Denmark. Today Lundbeck employs approximately 5,900 people worldwide. Lundbeck is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies working with CNS disorders. In 2010, the company's revenue was DKK 14.8 billion (approximately EUR 2.0 billion or USD 2.6 billion).