Neurocrine Biosciences issued new U.S. patent

Neurocrine Biosciences announced today the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 6,903,106 covering a novel polymorphic form (different crystal structure) of its proprietary compound indiplon for the treatment of insomnia.

Neurocrine filed for the patent in 2003 based on the novel properties of this polymorphic form. The patent will provide Neurocrine with patent protection for indiplon until the year 2023.

"The patent granted today reinforces our dedication to the indiplon development program. From undertaking one of the most extensive clinical trial programs in the history of insomnia to expanding our intellectual property portfolio surrounding indiplon, we believe in this product and continually strive to enhance its value to patients, physicians and shareholders," said Margaret Valeur-Jensen, Ph.D Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Neurocrine Biosciences.

Patent '106, the seventh issued patent to cover indiplon, will provide Neurocrine with patent exclusivity for indiplon polymorph Form III, compositions containing indiplon Form III and uses of indiplon Form III to the year 2023. The '106 patent is the latest to issue from Neurocrine's indiplon patent portfolio and extends patent protection for indiplon almost 3 years from the expiry of other patents issued for indiplon. Previously, Neurocrine has announced the issuance of other members of this patent portfolio including U.S. Patent No. 6,399,621 for the indiplon molecule and the use of indiplon for the treatment of sleep disorders and U.S. Patent No. 6,544,999 for an earlier discovered stable indiplon polymorph.

Indiplon is a unique non-narcotic, non-benzodiazepine agent that acts on a specific site of the GABA-A receptor. Indiplon has been shown to bind selectively to the specific subtype of GABA-A receptors within the brain believed to be responsible for promoting sleep. Indiplon was developed to address different types of sleep problems. Upon approval, indiplon will be copromoted in the US with Pfizer Inc.