Neurotune starts the preclinical development of initial candidate substances for the treatment of sarcopenia

Schlieren, 7th November 2007. Neurotune AG, a Swiss bio-pharmaceutical company, has moved to new laboratory and office facilities at the Biotech Centre in Zurich on 1st November 2007. This move is another step on the road to advance the development of Neurotune’s candidate substances for treating diseases of the human central and peripheral nervous system. Dr. Jan Willem Vrijbloed has been director of preclinical and clinical development since 1st August 2007.
The new laboratory and office facilities with a size of about 300 square metres plus separate rooms for keeping laboratory animals are offering Neurotune room for expansion and ideal conditions for preclinical investigation of drug candidates.
One focus of the company is the development of a drug to treat sarcopenia. Currently no causal treatment is available for the age-related muscle atrophy, which affects about ten million people world-wide. Neurotune has already identified a broad spectrum of lead candidates for the treatment of sarcopenia, and will start preclinical development of the most promising candidates early next year. The company also puts a high priority on the development of a reliable biomarker for early and decisive clinical diagnosis of the disease, because the currently used diagnostic methods are inefficient and labor-intensive. A new biochemical test will produce relief. In addition, Neurotune AG will intensify its efforts to develop drugs for rehabilitation after stroke. A lead candidate has already been identified.
Neurotune AG will be represented on the international biotech partnering conference BIO-Europe in Hamburg (11 to 13 November 2007). Dr. Andreas J. Schulze, CEO, will give an update on current activities on Tuesday, 13th November, in the section CNS/Neurology.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Neurotune disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected size and timing of closing of the registered direct offering. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various factors. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties relating to difficulties or delays in meeting closing conditions, and actions of regulatory authorities relating to the Neurotunes‘ shelf registration statement and the registered direct offering. For further information regarding these and other risks related to Neurotunes’ business, investors should consult Neurotune.

Neurotune AG
Mrs. Theres Oesch
Assistant to the CEO
Wagistrasse 27
8952 Schlieren (Zurich)
Switzerland
www.neurotune.com
+41 44 200 21 95
theres.oesch@neurotune.com

Media enquiries
Dr. Holger Bengs
Biotech Consulting
+49 69 6199 4273
info@holgerbengs.de

ABOUT NEUROTUNE AG
Neurotune was incorporated in January 2005 as a spin-off from Prionics AG and is based upon the research findings of Prof. Peter Sonderegger, University Zurich. The company has its seat in Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland.
Neurotune develops small-molecular drugs to treat disorders of the human nervous system (peripheral and central). First priority is given to drugs to treat age-related muscle atrophy – Sarcopenia, second priority to drugs for rehabilitation therapies after stroke or traumatic brain injury, and third priority is given to drugs for treatment of other CNS disturbances.

ABOUT SARCOPENIA
With age, progressive muscle degeneration leads to reduced strength ensuing problems such as frequent falls. The age-related muscle atrophy – Sarcopenia – is defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength with aging, and plays a major role in the pathogenesis of frailty and functional impairment that occurs with the elderly. It correlates with the loss of muscular strength, decreased metabolic rate, gradual reduction of bone density, and decreased aerobic capacity.
The treatment of Sarcopenia is a growing market with no available causal treatment.

This release was published on openPR.