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).

Acorda’s marketed products include ZANAFLEX CAPSULES® (tizanidine hydrochloride) and ZANAFLEX® (tizanidine hydrochloride) tablets. ZANAFLEX CAPSULES and ZANAFLEX are short-acting drugs approved for the management of spasticity. On January 22, 2010 the FDA approved AMPYRA™ (dalfampridine). AMPYRA, which was previously referred to as Fampridine-SR, is an extended release tablet formulation of dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine, 4-AP), which was previously called fampridine.

Core technologies developed by Acorda have potentially broad applicability for a range of neurological conditions.

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.

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.

Neuregulins

The neuregulins program is based on using GGF-2, a neuregulin growth factor to stimulate remyelination, or repair of the myelin sheath. In preclinical studies, neuregulins have demonstrated potential for neurological and cardiac protection in a number of indications, including models of multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, cardiotoxicity and heart failure.

Remyelinating Monoclonal Antibodies

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.

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.

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 Acorda at partnering@acorda.com.