Concert to advance CTP-499, C-21191 into Phase 2 trials for diabetic nephropathy and spasticity

Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today the advancement of two programs from its DCE Platform™ (deuterated chemical entity platform). CTP-499 is progressing into Phase 2 clinical trials for diabetic nephropathy and C-21191 has been selected as a lead candidate for spasticity.

CTP-499 is a novel anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-fibrotic agent that Concert is developing for the potential treatment of diabetic nephropathy associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The company has successfully completed two Phase 1 clinical trials and expects to report results at a future scientific meeting. Concert intends to advance the CTP-499 clinical program into an approximately 170 patient Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical study by year-end.

Concert also announced that C-21191 has been selected as a lead candidate. C-21191 is a non-sedating subtype-selective GABA_A modulator that represents a new therapeutic modality for the potential treatment of spasticity, neuropathic pain and anxiety. Recently, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a notice of allowance for Concert's patent application claiming C-21191 and other deuterium-containing GABA_A modulators as novel compositions of matter. Concert expects to complete preclinical dose ranging studies during 2011 to support the potential advancement of C-21191 into human clinical testing.

"The efficiency of Concert's DCE Platform is underscored by the advancement of these two programs to the next stage of development," said Roger Tung, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Concert Pharmaceuticals. "We look forward to the continued progress of our chronic kidney disease and CNS programs as well as applying our technology in other areas where deuterium modification has the potential to provide superior medicines."