�Forest Laboratories, Inc.
(NYSE: FRX) presented positive Phase III information of a once-daily
extended-release formulation of Namenda(R) (memantine HCl) at the 2008
Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease
(ICAD). The report evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of an
innovative, proprietorship, 28 mg once-daily extended-release formulation of
Namenda compared to placebo in outpatients with moderate to severe
Alzheimer's disease already existence treated with a cholinesterase inhibitor
(donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine).
In the study, patients treated with once-daily extended-release Namenda
experienced substantial improvements in cognitive performance and worldwide
clinical condition compared to those receiving placebo. Patients treated with
once-daily extended-release Namenda also experienced significant
improvements in verbal smoothness and behavioral symptoms as compared to
placebo. The results build on preliminary findings announced by Forest in
February.
"While there is no cure or existing handling to keep Alzheimer's
disease, there are currently-available FDA-approved treatments, such as
combination therapy with memantine and a cholinesterase inhibitor, which
can alleviate symptoms by providing cognitive, functional, and behavioral
benefits," said George Grossberg, MD, Director of Geriatric Psychiatry at
Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and the lead investigator world Health Organization
presented the data. "These findings reinforce the
