Antipsychotic compound bifeprunox worth USD 1 billion per year to Solvay and Wyeth

Solvay has re-evaluated the commercial potential of bifeprunox, a Solvay compound in clinical development for the treatment of schizophrenia . Bifeprunox additionally has the potential to be developed in other disorders, i.e. bipolar disorder. Following its alliance with Wyeth, Solvay confirms that peak year sales on the markets where the partners codevelop and co-commercialize bifeprunox – the United States and Canada – are in excess of USD 1 billion.

The estimate was released on June 2nd by Wyeth in an information session with analysts devoted to research and development.

Bifeprunox, a partial dopamine agonist, is being developed as a novel treatment for schizophrenia. Phase II data for bifeprunox has shown efficacy in patients with schizophrenia. It is also expected to provide an improved safety profile with the following advantages:

• No weight gain;
• No increase in prolactin;
• Favorable lipid profile;
• No glucose dysregulation
• No QTc prolongation
• Extrapyramidal symptoms comparable to placebo.

These features of bifeprunox are being further studied in an extensive phase III clinical program. Solvay and Wyeth plan to submit file for registration for bifeprunox in 2006 with an expected market launch in 2007.

In Europe and other markets, bifeprunox is co-developed by Solvay and H. Lundbeck A/S, an international pharmaceutical company based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Bifeprunox will be marketed in those markets by Lundbeck. Submission in these markets is also planned simultaneously in 2006 with expected market launch in 2007.

Solvay is an international chemicals and pharmaceuticals group with headquarters in Brussels. It employs more than 30,000 people in 50 countries. In 2003 its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 7.6 billion generated by its three activity sectors: Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay is listed on the Euronext 100 index of top European companies. Details are available at www.solvay.com.