Hopes for new brain-damage drug

Tuesday 10th November 2009

A SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) trial has reportedly shown that ReGen Therapeutics' zolpidem drug counteracts loss of cognitive and motor functions associated with brain damage.

Results of the trial in Pretoria, South Africa, will be presented by Dr Ralf Clauss at the Fourth International Congress on Brain and Behaviour in Thessaloniki, Greece, next month.

He said: "This prospective study adds further evidence to the numerous previous reports that zolpidem is clinically effective in patients with established brain damage.

"The fact that around 50% of subjects receiving a 10mg zolpidem tablet daily experienced sedation confirms that a lower, flexible formulation is required to optimise efficacy in individual subjects".

Mr Clauss added that a trial report had also been accepted for publication in an unnamed peer-reviewed specialist journal.

ReGen Therapeutics estimates that the market for a zolpidem-type drug may be worth at least $4.3 billion (£2.5 billion), and is seeking either a partner or grant assistance to develop it.

Copyright Press Association 2009

Zolpidem

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