| Acorda Therapeutics has a targeted therapeutic
pipeline of products whose goal is to restore neurological
function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI),
multiple sclerosis (MS) and related conditions of
the central nervous system (CNS).
Core technologies developed by Acorda for SCI and
MS have potentially broad applicability for other
neurological conditions. This focus provides insight
into chronic and acute CNS conditions – for
example, MS represents a chronic degeneration of
the CNS, whereas SCI represents an acute CNS injury
followed by a relatively stable chronic condition.
In addition, many of the mechanisms of secondary
tissue damage and potential repair in MS and SCI
are shared with other conditions, including stroke
and traumatic brain injury. The functional deficits
and symptoms suffered by MS and SCI patients, such
as walking impairments, spasticity and loss of bladder
and bowel function, are also shared by other CNS
disorders.
Acorda has recruited over 40 MS centers and 80
SCI rehabilitation centers in the United States
and Canada to conduct our clinical trials. Additionally,
Acorda has three preclinical programs focused on
novel approaches to repair damaged components of
the CNS.
Fampridine-SR
Acorda is conducting a second Phase
3 clinical trial of Fampridine-SR to evaluate
its safety and efficacy in improving walking ability
in people with MS. Acorda completed enrollment on the second Phase 3 trial in November 2007. Data is expected second quarter 2008. Fampridine-SR is the first potential
therapy in late-stage clinical trials for MS that
seeks to improve the function of damaged nerve fibers
and is potentially complementary to existing drugs
used to treat MS.
Chondroitinase
This program is based on the concept of breaking
down the matrix of scar tissue that develops as
a result of an injury to the CNS. Published research
has demonstrated that this scar matrix is partly
responsible for limiting the regeneration of nerve
fibers in the CNS and restricting their ability
to modify existing neural connections. The results
of Acorda’s animal studies of Chondroitinase have
been published in the
Journal of Neurotrauma.
Acorda plans to bring Chondroitinase into human
clinical trials.
Remyelination Program
The Company’s remyelination program consists
of two distinct therapeutic approaches - neuregulins
and remyelinating monoclonal antibodies. These approaches
act to stimulate the regrowth of myelin by different
and potentially complementary routes. A therapy
that could permanently repair myelin sheaths has
the potential to restore substantial neurological
function to those affected by demyelinating conditions.
The neuregulins program is based on using GGF-2,
a neuregulin growth factor to stimulate remyelination,
or repair of the myelin sheath. In published studies
GGF-2 has been shown to stimulate remyelination
in animal models of MS and have other effects in
neural protection and repair.
The remyelinating monoclonal antibodies program
is based upon more than 15 years of research performed
at the Mayo Clinic. Studies have demonstrated the
ability of this family of antibodies to stimulate
remyelination in three different animal models of
MS.
R&D Capabilities
Acorda has in-house laboratory capabilities employing
both tissue culture methods and predictive animal
models of SCI and MS. These capabilities allow the
Company to rapidly screen and validate potentially
useful therapeutic approaches to nervous system
repair. Acorda is experienced in the development
of early stage compounds as potential therapies
for spinal cord injury, MS, and related conditions
of the central nervous system.
For more information about partnering opportunities
at Acorda please contact Gerard Cignarella, Vice
President of Business Development at gcignarella@acorda.com.
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