Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex: RNN), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing multi-indication therapeutics in CNS and oncology, today announced top-line results from a Phase IIa clinical study of Serdaxin™, its major depressive disorder (MDD) drug candidate.
The randomized, double blind, placebo controlled and dose ranging study enrolled 77 patients and was conducted at multiple sites in the United States to assess the Serdaxin’s safety and preliminary efficacy. The study showed that patients ages 18-65 with MDD exhibited clinically meaningful improvement over baseline in symptoms of depression as measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score. A marked clinical response was observed within two weeks in patients taking Serdaxin. Additionally, a significantly lower drop-out rate among patients taking Serdaxin compared with those patients taking a placebo was observed (<20% treatment groups vs. >50% placebo group).
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Robert A. Riesenberg, a nationally recognized psychiatrist and principal investigator at the Atlanta Center for Medical Research, said, “The wide range and consistency of Serdaxin’s effects in this study suggests a new treatment paradigm for patients suffering from depression.”
Dr. Riesenberg added, “Serdaxin exhibited an onset of action in fewer than two weeks, and was found to be safe and well tolerated with no appearance of serious side effects commonly linked to currently marketed antidepressant drugs.”
“Serdaxin clinical trials continue to demonstrate unprecedented efficacy, much faster onset of action compared to currently marketed drugs, and lifestyle benefits for patients with major depressive disorder,” said Dr. Chang Ahn, Rexahn’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The continued strength of Serdaxin’s clinical trial data further solidifies Serdaxin as a potentially new and preferable therapy in the standard of care for this disease.”
Rexahn is currently in active discussions with multiple pharmaceutical companies with the goal of identifying a strategic partner to assist in the global development and planned commercialization of Serdaxin. Rexahn expects Phase IIb clinical development to be initiated in early 2010.
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