Neurogen Corp. has begun a Phase I trial for its leading drug candidate for treatment of obesity. The compound, NGD-4715, works as an antagonist at the melanin concentrating hormone receptor-1 (MCH1).
William H. Koster, president and chief executive officer, said, "We are extremely pleased to be entering human testing exploring this promising new target. While the MCH1 mechanism has been a target of high interest in the pharmaceutical community, we believe most in the industry have encountered significant obstacles to advancing drug candidates into human studies. Neurogen has established a leading position in this promising new arena and we hope to provide an effective therapeutic for the growing number of patients affected by obesity and its many co-morbidities, including diabetes and hypertension."
The Phase I trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation in healthy overweight and obese subjects of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single rising oral doses of NGD-4715. The study will include 84 male and female subjects. This study will be conducted in the U.S. and standard safety assessments will be made.